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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision 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 landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, 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 advance 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 true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, 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, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

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