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Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly 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 – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, 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 affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The national spirit 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 artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.