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The newly inaugurated president has pledged 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, the president presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

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

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.

“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 each person matters and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome 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 outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.

In a venue filled with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Switching to Irish, she reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have primary status as a language of business.”

No country can voice its aspirations if the native language spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.