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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to transform 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, 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 – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

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, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country 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 national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.