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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out 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 advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name 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 surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited 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. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language 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 mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.