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

The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident 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 shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

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

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

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 national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.