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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a progressive vision 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 remarked, 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. 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 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 advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“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 differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

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