Crystal Dike
Catherine Connolly has been sworn in as the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland at a ceremony held on Tuesday at Dublin Castle.
The 68-year-old former TD, who won a landslide victory at the end of October over Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys, succeeds Michael D. Higgins, whose 14-year term ended at midnight.
In her inaugural address, President Connolly pledged to ensure that “all voices are nurtured and heard” and said Ireland had been undergoing “seismic changes” since the end of the Cold War. She also expressed her intention to visit Northern Ireland soon to promote inclusive dialogue across the island.
The inauguration ceremony, held in St Patrick’s Hall, was attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, senior government ministers, members of the judiciary, and other dignitaries. Connolly was sworn in by the Chief Justice and presented with the Presidential Seal before delivering her speech.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended the event alongside Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was absent due to Remembrance Day commitments in Belfast and Windsor. Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken was the only unionist representative present, attending on behalf of his party leader Mike Nesbitt.
Following the ceremony, President Connolly travelled by motorcade to Áras an Uachtaráin, where a state reception was scheduled for the evening.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated her, describing the occasion as a “happy and momentous day” for her and her family.
Connolly, a barrister and psychologist, has represented Galway West in the Dáil since 2016. Her election to the presidency will trigger a by-election in her constituency.