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

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, 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 articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name 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, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.