Ireland's New President Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Celebration
The newly inaugurated president has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.
“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her decisive election win.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate 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 practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.
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 Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”
No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.
