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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent 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 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 climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

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

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.