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

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

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

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

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

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 Áras, 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 due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched 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 sounded as the new president received the seal of office.