Catherine Connolly Sworn in as Ireland's President

Tue Nov 11 2025 19:58:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Catherine Connolly officially becomes the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland in a ceremony held at Dublin Castle, pledging to amplify all voices during her term.

Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as the 10th president of Ireland, vowing to ensure that all voices are nurtured and heard during her presidency. During her inauguration at Dublin Castle, she highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue as she prepares for her first visit to Northern Ireland. Connolly, who was elected in a landslide victory, succeeds Michael D Higgins and is committed to fostering progress and peace across the island. The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures and marks a significant moment in Irish history.

Catherine Connolly Sworn in as Ireland's President

Catherine Connolly has officially taken on the role of the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland, following a successful inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle. Connolly emphasized her commitment to ensuring that all voices in society are nurtured and heard during her tenure.

In her inaugural speech, Connolly reflected on the seismic changes Ireland has faced since the end of the Cold War, highlighting her eagerness to engage in inclusive dialogue across the island, particularly with her first upcoming visit to Northern Ireland.

She won the presidency in a landslide election race against Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys and will succeed Michael D Higgins, whose 14-year term ended recently.

The inauguration ceremony featured attendance from various political leaders, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who lauded the event as a happy and momentous day for Connolly and her family. Additionally, Connolly expressed pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement as a model for peaceful conflict resolution.

As a non-executive head of state, Connolly's role will focus on representing the unity and integrity of the nation, while also emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in dialogue and governance.

This historic moment was further highlighted by her journey from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park in a ceremonial motorcade to Dublin Castle, where she was sworn into office and presented with the Presidential Seal.

The ceremony also saw notable figures from Northern Ireland in attendance, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill. However, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly did not attend due to conflicting commitments.

As Connolly embarks on her new role, she brings a wealth of experience from her previous position as a member of the Irish Parliament (TD) and her professional background as a barrister and psychologist.