Ireland's New President Takes Office on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, 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 everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, 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 united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.
In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, Connolly lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of loss, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
Connolly also hailed the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.