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Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, referencing 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 served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

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 lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland 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 presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, 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 due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.