Ireland's New President Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities

The newly inaugurated president 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 presented a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, 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 served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“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 each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

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

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.