Ireland's New President Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Celebration
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.
In her inauguration address, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, 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 each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
The presidential race outcome 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 presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—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 dispossession, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, 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 said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. 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 sounded as the head of state was formally invested.