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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, 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 presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—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 war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

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

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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