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

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, 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, mobilised the youth, 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 platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish 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 country can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.