Ireland's New President Takes Office on Day of Pomp and Celebration
The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.
During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with 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 dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.
“In shared conversations, however, it became clear 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 other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice 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 diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a ballroom packed with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding of loss, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.
Switching to Irish, she 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 acknowledgement. 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 meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.
