Ireland's New President Takes Office on Day of Pomp and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined 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 far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, 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 mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”
No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”
A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.
