Catherine Connolly Inaugurated as Ireland’s 10th President Today

UPDATE: Catherine Connolly has officially been inaugurated as Ireland’s 10th president in a ceremony held today at Dublin Castle. In her inaugural address, she emphasized her commitment to ensuring that “all voices are represented, heard, and valued” in the nation’s future.

The ceremony, attended by notable figures including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and former presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson, marked a historic moment for Ireland. As the 21-gun salute reverberated through Collins Barracks, Connolly expressed her pride and humility in assuming this significant role.

In her speech, Connolly outlined her vision for a new republic, stating, “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.” She underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to pressing issues, including the fundamental right to a home.

Connolly, an independent TD from Galway and a former psychologist, took the oath of office in both English and Irish, a poignant reflection of her commitment to inclusivity. She called attention to the importance of addressing the dominant narratives that have historically marginalized voices in Irish society.

In a passionate appeal, she remarked, “Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.” Highlighting the current global climate, she stated, “Unfortunately, we have all become witnesses to ongoing wars and genocide,” asserting that Ireland has a unique role in promoting peace and diplomatic solutions.

Connolly’s presidency is seen as a significant shift in Irish politics, particularly for the left, as her election was backed by opposition parties to challenge the dominance of the two major parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. This coalition effort came after former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin withdrew from the race, intensifying scrutiny on the election’s limited choices.

Notably, the recent presidential election also saw a record high of 213,738 invalid ballots, reflecting growing voter discontent. This tenfold increase compared to the 2018 election signals a critical need for reform in how elections are conducted in Ireland.

Following the inauguration, Connolly and her husband, Brian McEnery, will attend a State reception dinner at Dublin Castle, solidifying her role in shaping Ireland’s future. As the nation watches closely, Connolly’s leadership promises to address the urgent challenges facing the country and to foster a more inclusive society.

Stay tuned for updates on how President Connolly’s policies unfold and impact the people of Ireland.