Catherine Connolly has been sworn in today as Ireland’s 10th President At Dublin Castle, marking the third woman to hold the Áras an Uachtaráin. The 68-yr-old independent from Galway, a former psychologist, barrister, and fiery TD, assumes the largely ceremonial role with a mandate forged from her landslide October victory, securing 63% of votes against Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.

Michael D. Higgins, the outgoing President whose two terms ended yesterday, passed the seal of office amid applause from Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Connolly, backed by a progressive coalition, pledged to be a “catalyst for change,” vowing to champion housing justice, climate action, and Irish reunification. “In 2025, we face existential threats—wars abroad, crises at home,” she declared, urging unity against the “military-industrial complex” and echoing Ireland’s pro-Palestinian stance.

Her journey—from Labour councillor in 1999 to Dáil’s first female Leas-Cheann Comhairle—resonates as a reproach to establishment politics. With low turnout and record spoiled votes signalling voter frustration. However, Connolly’s independent voice promises to elevate the presidency’s moral authority, inspiring a nation at crossroads.