Ireland's New President Sworn In on Celebratory Occasion and Festivities
Catherine Connolly has vowed to transform Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by championing inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the history of independence.
During her swearing-in speech, the president outlined a leftwing alternative diverging from the centre-right orthodoxy.
“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, referencing her landslide victory.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the mainstream message did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s 10th president, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would advance climate action, 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 renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed 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 asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One major group did not attend but said no snub was intended.
Switching to Irish, Connolly repeated a commitment to prioritise the language 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 express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.
