In Pictures: Change at the top for Ireland with new president and Taoiseach

President Michael D Higgins receives Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, ahead of her inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The year started with Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach again after agreement was reached following a strong performance by his Fianna Fáil party in the November 2024 elections.

It ended with Catherine Connolly taking office as president after long-serving predecessor Michael D Higgins ended his term at Áras an Uachtaráin. That followed a year in which foreign policy took an unusually high profile in the political discourse for the traditionally neutral nation.

Storms across the year were a frequent reminder that an island nation is at the mercy of Mother Nature, although she could show kindness with bouts of sunshine.

ESB Networks crew working to restore power in Avoca Avenue in Blackrock, Co Dublin, after Storm Eowyn (Brian Lawless/PA)

Foreign policy was a frequent part of the political debate, with the Israel-Gaza conflict and Ukraine fighting often a focus – the former was a constant issue during the presidential campaign.

There were three names on the ballot paper, although Jim Gavin had withdrawn from the campaign by the time Ms Connolly comfortably beat Heather Humphreys.

Gaza was again at the forefront when Ireland decided not to compete in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, owing to Israel’s participation.

Irish presidential candidates, from left, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, independent candidate Catherine Connolly, and Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, during a debate on The Week in Politics at RTE studios (Conor O’Mearain/PA)

At home and abroad, there was tragedy and sorrow.

Garda officers line the route as the funeral cortege for Garda Kevin Flatley arrives at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Garda Flatley died when he was hit by a motorcyclist while carrying out a speed checkpoint in County Dublin in

But there were also moments of celebration and wonder across Ireland.

Ireland fans in the stands celebrate victory in a 2026 Fifa World Cup European qualifying group match against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA)