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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – 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 reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude 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 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, 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.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, 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 deep empathy of loss, 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 agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

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

No country can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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