Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland during a ceremony at Dublin Castle. She was elected in late October, securing a landslide victory against Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. Ms. Connolly, aged 68, succeeds Michael D. Higgins, whose 14-year term concluded.
Inauguration Ceremony Details
The inauguration, held at Dublin Castle, commenced with Ms. Connolly's arrival from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park via a ceremonial motorcade, accompanied by her husband, Brian McEnery. She was sworn into office in St Patrick's Hall by the chief justice. The ceremony included a service of prayer and reflection, during which Ms. Connolly was presented with the Presidential Seal before delivering a speech.
In her address, President Connolly stated her commitment to ensuring all voices are heard during her presidency. She noted the "seismic changes" the country has experienced since the end of the Cold War. She also expressed anticipation for her first visit to Northern Ireland as president and her intention to promote inclusive dialogue across the island. Ms. Connolly highlighted the success of the Good Friday Agreement as a model for peaceful conflict resolution.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated President Connolly on her assumption of office.
Role of the President
The president of the Republic of Ireland serves as the head of state; however, it is a non-executive role.
Attendance from Northern Ireland
The ceremony was attended by a range of political figures, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, senior Irish government ministers, and judges.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill attended, accompanied by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly did not attend, citing commitments in Belfast and Windsor for Remembrance Day. She conveyed her well wishes and expressed interest in a future phone conversation with the new president.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) did not send a representative. Party leader Gavin Robinson stated this was not a "snub" and expressed the party's willingness to meet President Connolly during a future visit to Northern Ireland. Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken attended in place of party leader Mike Nesbitt, who had other engagements. Mr. Aiken affirmed his attendance as a unionist representative, acknowledging the reasons for other unionist absences related to Remembrance Day.