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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly 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 – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated 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 voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—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 lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.