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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to label, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, 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 strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced 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 voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and atrocities.”

Praising Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and war and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”

Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment 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 language of business.”

No nation can voice its aspirations if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were made to stop using their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.