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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.

“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

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 advance environmental measures, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“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 everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the mainstream opponent by securing a substantial majority.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

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

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One political party declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the residence, it will have first place as a working language.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.