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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative 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 decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out 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 environmental measures, 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 new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

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

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

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.