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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

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

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, 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 voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, 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 previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—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, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

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