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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.

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

“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, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced 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 platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly 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 language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

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