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Catherine Connolly has vowed to reshape Ireland into a “nation that lives up to its ideals” by championing diversity, the Irish language, and the legacy of decolonisation.

In her inauguration address, Connolly presented a leftwing alternative contrasting with the centre-right orthodoxy.

“Many assumed that it was an impossible step, that our ideas were too far out – at odds with the prevailing narrative,” she stated, pointing to her decisive election win.

“In shared conversations, however, it became clear that the mainstream message did not reflect 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 day marked by pomp at the historic venue, the experienced legal professional affirmed that as Ireland’s new head of state, she would amplify diverse perspectives and would promote environmental measures, acceptance, and a resurgence of Irish culture.

“Voters have made their choice and have given their president a powerful mandate to voice shared aspirations for a renewed nation, a republic true to its principles where each person matters and differences are celebrated, 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, mobilised the youth, and trounced the ruling party’s candidate by winning 64% of the vote.

Though the role is primarily symbolic, the outgoing president had stretched the constraints, turning it into a platform for issues—a practice Connolly is expected to continue.

In a venue filled with officials, diplomats, and other dignitaries, the president expressed regret over “the normalisation of war and genocide.”

Commending Ireland’s neutrality—a possible point of disagreement with the government—she asserted: “Our history under foreign rule and resistance of a catastrophic man-made famine gives us a deep empathy of loss, hunger, and war and a call for national leadership.”

The president additionally praised the Good Friday agreement and referenced 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.

Speaking in Gaelic, Connolly repeated a commitment to elevate Irish in the presidential office and residence. “Irish will not be spoken in a low voice in the Áras, it will have primary status as a working language.”

No nation can express its desires if the indigenous tongue spoken by ancestors was lost, she commented. “It has been relegated without sufficient respect or acknowledgement. The hearts of our people were dampened when they were prevented from speaking their own language. It’s a language that conveys emotion and meaning with each phrase.”

A artillery tribute was sounded as the head of state was formally invested.