Catherine Connolly Sworn In as Tenth President of Ireland

Tue Nov 11 2025 19:24:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Catherine Connolly promises to amplify the voices of the Irish people as she takes office in a ceremony full of notable attendees, including political leaders from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Catherine Connolly has officially been inaugurated as the tenth president of the Republic of Ireland, a role she assumes following a decisive electoral victory. In her inaugural address, Connolly emphasized her commitment to fostering inclusivity across the nation, particularly highlighting the importance of dialogue with Northern Ireland. The ceremony, held at Dublin Castle, was attended by dignitaries including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

Catherine Connolly has said she will make sure all voices are nurtured and heard during her presidency.

Speaking at Dublin Castle where she was inaugurated as the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland, she said the country has been undergoing 'seismic changes' since the end of the Cold War.

She expressed her eagerness for her first visit to Northern Ireland as president, aiming to promote inclusive dialogue across the island.

Connolly was elected in a landslide vote at the end of October, defeating Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.

The 68-year-old takes over the role from Michael D Higgins, whose 14-year term ended at midnight.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by politicians, judges and other invited guests at Dublin Castle.

'We can and should take real pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement model of peaceful resolution of conflict,' she said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly on assuming office, marking it as a 'happy and momentous' day for her and her family.

The Republic of Ireland's president serves as the country's head of state, with a non-executive role.

On the morning of her inauguration, Connolly traveled from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park to Dublin Castle with her husband, Brian McEnery, in a ceremonial motorcade.

She was sworn into office in St Patrick's Hall by the chief justice amidst a service of prayer and reflection.

The newly inaugurated president received the Presidential Seal and delivered a speech during the ceremony.

Following the inauguration, Connolly will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, via motorcade. A state reception is planned for Tuesday evening in Dublin Castle.

Connolly, who has served as a TD (member of the Irish parliament) since 2016, will trigger a by-election in Galway West with her election as president. She has a background as a barrister and psychologist.