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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president was formally invested.