Catherine Connolly Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Celebration
Catherine Connolly has pledged to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for diversity, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly outlined a leftwing alternative contrasting with the mainstream political consensus.
“Many assumed that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she remarked, pointing to her landslide victory.
“In shared conversations, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Repeatedly, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to categorise, to shut out and to stifle critical thinking.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the 68-year-old former barrister declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and diversity is cherished, where eco-friendly policies are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”
The presidential race outcome shocked the political establishment. The independent leftwing legislator united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the previous officeholder had stretched the constraints, turning it into a voice for causes—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, hunger, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”
Connolly also hailed the Good Friday agreement and referenced article 3 of Ireland’s constitution that espouses a united Ireland with consent. One political party did not attend but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, Connolly reaffirmed a pledge to prioritise the language in the presidential office and residence. “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 spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were quenched when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with each phrase.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.