Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape 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 outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.
“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, 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 promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate 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 tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Praising 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 lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”
Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.
