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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 legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

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 ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“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 diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, 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 stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president received the seal of office.