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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

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

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared 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 articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, 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 voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.