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

In her inauguration address, the president outlined 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 far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she remarked, referencing her landslide victory.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the dominant narrative did not reflect people’s hopes and fears. Time and time again, people spoke of how it tended to suppress, to marginalise, to label, to exclude and to hinder independent thought.”

On a ceremonial occasion at the historic venue, 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 climate action, tolerance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a strong endorsement to articulate their vision for a renewed nation, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and differences are celebrated, where sustainable solutions are swiftly enacted, and where a home is a fundamental human right.”

The presidential race outcome surprised traditional parties. The non-aligned progressive candidate united opposition leftwing parties, energised young voters, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had expanded its influence, turning it into a voice for causes—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a ballroom packed with government figures, ambassadors, and other dignitaries, the president lamented “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she said: “Our experience of colonisation and struggle against historic hardships gives us a deep empathy of dispossession, famine, and conflict and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and cited constitutional provisions that supports national unity with consent. One major group declined to send a representative but clarified it was not a deliberate omission.

Speaking in Gaelic, she reaffirmed a pledge to elevate Irish 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 working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the native language used forebears was lost, she said. “It has been relegated without due honour or recognition. The national spirit were dampened when they were made to stop using their own language. It’s a language that expresses feelings and meaning with every word.”

A 21-gun salute was sounded as the head of state received the seal of office.