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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement 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.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

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