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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

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 – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance environmental measures, acceptance, 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 worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited 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.

Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking 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.