Leftwing independent Catherine Connolly inaugurated as Ireland’s president, pledging alternative diplomacy and Irish language promotion.
DUBLIN: Catherine Connolly was inaugurated as Ireland’s 10th president at Dublin Castle on Tuesday.
The 68-year-old leftwing barrister secured a landslide victory in last month’s election with 63% of first preference votes.
She formally replaced Michael Higgins, who held the largely ceremonial position since 2011.
Connolly received backing from all main leftist parties during her independent campaign.
Her inauguration speech highlighted Ireland’s potential to “lead and articulate alternative diplomatic solutions to conflict and war”.
The new president has been an outspoken critic of both the United States and European Union.
Connolly galvanised young leftist voters with her softly spoken direct style and staunch pro-Palestinian views.
Nearly 13% of the 1.65 million ballots cast in October’s election were declared invalid, a modern Irish record.
The fluent Irish speaker vowed to elevate Irish to the primary language of the presidential residence.
Although the role carries limited political power, her tenure could increase friction between the presidency and government.
Connolly has pledged to prioritise progress towards unity between the Irish republic and Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended the inauguration ceremony.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly declined her invitation due to Remembrance Day commitments.
Connolly’s seven-year term began immediately following the ceremonial handover at Dublin Castle. – AFP
