Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Celebration
Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
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 radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives 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 new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.
