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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 diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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

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

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate 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 platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

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

Praising 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 deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”

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