Ireland's New President Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Festivities

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. 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 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, 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 diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election 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 role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.