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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate 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 urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.