Ireland's New President Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation 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 Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.
