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Catherine Connolly has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

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

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, 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 new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, acceptance, 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 everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly 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 struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

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