Catherine Connolly sworn in as Ireland's president on day of pomp and celebration

"We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out, too left at odds with the prevailing narrative, she said, referencing her landslide victory in last month's election. In shared conversations all over the country, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect or represent people's values and concerns. Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking."

"Catherine Connolly receives the presidential seal of office from the chief justice, Donal O'Donnell, during her inauguration at Dublin Castle. Photograph: Government Information Service Handout/EPA The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented, and where a home is a fundamental human right."

Catherine Connolly vowed to make Ireland a republic worthy of its name by using the presidency to champion diversity, the Irish language and the legacy of decolonisation. The independent leftwing legislator won a landslide victory with 64% of the vote, uniting left parties, energising young voters and defeating the ruling Fine Gael candidate. The inauguration took place at Dublin Castle, the former seat of British rule, and highlighted priorities of climate action, tolerance, a Gaelic revival and housing as a fundamental human right. The presidency, while largely ceremonial, is envisioned as a platform to amplify marginalised voices and challenge centre-right orthodoxy.

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