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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 diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident 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 exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard 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 voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, 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 mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war 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 dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she 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 primary status as a language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.