Ireland's New President Sworn In on Day of Pomp and Celebration
Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “republic worthy of its name” by advocating for inclusion, the Gaelic tongue, and the legacy of decolonisation.
During her swearing-in speech, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative diverging from the mainstream political consensus.
“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too radical – at odds with the dominant discourse,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.
“Through nationwide dialogues, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not represent people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to other, to label, to shut out and to hinder independent thought.”
On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional declared that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote climate action, tolerance, and a Gaelic revival.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a housing is guaranteed for all.”
Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by securing a substantial majority.
Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a tradition the new president will likely uphold.
In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”
Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she said: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of loss, famine, and conflict and a mandate for Ireland to lead.”
The president additionally praised the peace accord and cited constitutional provisions that espouses a united Ireland with agreement. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.
Switching to Irish, she repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Gaelic will not be whispered in the Áras, it will have primary status as a language of business.”
No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was extinguished, she commented. “It has been put in second place without sufficient respect or recognition. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their mother tongue. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”
A artillery tribute was sounded as the new president was formally invested.
