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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, 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 sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate 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, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.