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

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate 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 platform for issues—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit 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 artillery tribute was fired as the head of state received the seal of office.