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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, the president presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“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 marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

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

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision 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 housing is guaranteed for all.”

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

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 government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a lived understanding 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 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 working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.