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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, 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 declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

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

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending 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 conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched 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 fired as the new president was formally invested.