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

During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, 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 resurgence of Irish culture.

“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 everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

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

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, famine, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president received the seal of office.