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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies 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 defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

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 said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war 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 political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

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