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The newly inaugurated president has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a progressive vision contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.

“We were led to believe that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to marginalise, to categorise, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”

On a day marked by pomp at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote climate action, acceptance, and a Gaelic revival.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a new republic, 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.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the mainstream opponent by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—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 genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

Connolly also hailed the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish 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 working language.”

No country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she said. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the head of state was formally invested.