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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, 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 government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she 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 primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.