Ireland's New President Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a progressive vision 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 – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message 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 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued 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 independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 language of business.”
No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.
