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Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

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 – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“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 tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name 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, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

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

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation 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 peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution 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 presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place 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 sentiment with each phrase.”

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