Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Celebration
The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape 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, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from 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 remarked, referencing her landslide victory.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, 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 everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated 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 platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No country can express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.