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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, acceptance, 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 worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate 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 outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

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

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.