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Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, 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 label, 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 promote climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies 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, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—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 war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

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

No country can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.