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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with 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 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 served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate brought together progressive factions, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, 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 struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge 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 working language.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.