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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to shut out 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 amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

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

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

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 deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, 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 language of business.”

No country can express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. 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 each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.