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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident 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 other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote 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 renewed nation, 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 non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “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 extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit 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 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.