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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, 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 each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced 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 practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—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, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions 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 reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.