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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—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 dispossession, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment 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 language of business.”

No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she said. “It has been put in second place 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 sentiment with each phrase.”

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