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The newly inaugurated president has pledged to transform Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for diversity, the Irish language, and the history of independence.

During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s values and concerns. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”

On a day marked by pomp 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, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic true to its principles where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator brought together progressive factions, energised young voters, and trounced the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice the new president will likely uphold.

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

Commending Ireland’s non-alignment—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that supports national unity with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language in the official home. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place 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 expresses feelings and sentiment with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was fired as the new president was formally invested.