Catherine Connolly Inaugurated as Ireland's Tenth President

Tue Nov 11 2025 19:38:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Catherine Connolly takes office as the 10th president of Ireland, committing to inclusive dialogue and representation for all during her tenure.

Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as the tenth president of Ireland, succeeding Michael D Higgins. In her inaugural address at Dublin Castle, she emphasized her commitment to ensuring that every voice in Ireland is heard, especially in light of the country's evolving sociopolitical landscape. Connolly was elected in a landslide victory, defeating her Fine Gael rival, and aims to foster inclusive dialogue across the island, including her planned visit to Northern Ireland.

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 said she was looking forward to her first visit to Northern Ireland as president and that she would foster an 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 saying it was a happy and momentous day for her and her family.

The Republic of Ireland's president is the country's head of state, however it is a non-executive role.

On Tuesday morning, she travelled 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.

A service of prayer and reflection took place during the ceremony. Connolly was presented with the Presidential Seal and made a speech.

Who attended the inauguration?

As well as the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, senior Irish government ministers and judges attended the inauguration.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill also attended the ceremony and was accompanied by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly did not attend the inauguration due to commitments in Belfast for Remembrance Day.

She wished the new president well and anticipated a phone call with her.

In the absence of Little-Pengelly, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) did not send a representative to the inauguration, though its leader insisted it was not a snub.

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken was the only unionist present, attending in place of his party leader.

After the ceremony, Connolly will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official home of the Irish president, via motorcade, where a state reception will take place later in the evening.

Connolly has served as a TD (member of Irish parliament) since 2016, and her election triggers a by-election in Galway West. She previously worked as a barrister and psychologist.