🔗 Share this article

Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, 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 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.