Catherine Connolly Takes Office on Day of Pomp and Celebration
Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would advance climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision 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 housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate 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 the new president will likely uphold.
In a venue filled with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the acceptance of conflict and atrocities.”
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 lived understanding of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have first place as a language of business.”
No nation can voice its aspirations if the native language used forebears 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 meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.