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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.

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

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, 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 previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.