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Catherine Connolly has vowed 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, the president presented a progressive vision diverging from 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 landslide victory.

“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 tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice 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 differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war 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 deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited 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 residence, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.