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

In her inauguration address, the president outlined a progressive vision diverging from the mainstream political consensus.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – contrary to the prevailing narrative,” she stated, referencing 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 served to silence, to other, to categorise, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at Dublin Castle, the 68-year-old former barrister affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would ensure “all voices” were heard and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“The people have spoken and have given their president a strong endorsement to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

Connolly’s election surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, mobilised the youth, and defeated the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the presidency is a largely ceremonial post, 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 officials, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, Connolly lamented “the acceptance of conflict and genocide.”

Praising Ireland’s neutrality—a potential source of friction with the government—she asserted: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the peace accord and referenced constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One political party did not attend but said no snub was intended.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish 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 country can express its desires if the indigenous tongue used forebears was extinguished, she commented. “It has been relegated without due honour or acknowledgement. The national spirit were quenched when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and sentiment with each phrase.”

A 21-gun salute was fired as the new president was formally invested.