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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

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

No country can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

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