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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, 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 categorise, to exclude 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 new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised 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 said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, Connolly 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 primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.