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

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude 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 ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

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, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed 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 prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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