Ireland's New President Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Festivities
The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.
In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a day marked by pomp 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, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters 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 independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated 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 platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.
Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”
No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.