Live: Catherine Connolly to be inaugurated as Ireland’s 10th president at Dublin Castle
Catherine Connolly will today be sworn in as Ireland's 10th President after her landslide victory in last month's election, having pledged to be 'a president for all.' Picture: Tony Maxwell
Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as the tenth president of Ireland at Dublin Castle this afternoon.
Ms Connolly, the former Independent TD for Galway West, secured a historic victory last month, receiving over 914,000 first preferences in her win over Heather Humphreys.
In her victory speech, she said she would be a president who “listens and reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary,” and who will focus on peace, neutrality and climate change during her term.
Ms Connolly will take the oath of office from Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell at around 12.40pm, officially becoming president.
The event will be attended by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and members of the Oireachtas, along with Ms Connolly’s friends and family.
She succeeds Michael D Higgins, who expanded the presidency’s political role – a feature Ms Connolly has said she will continue.
Mr Higgins, who will also attend the inauguration, ended his 14-year term in office at midnight.
The will provide live coverage of the day’s events.
: Michael D Higgins left Áras an Úachtaráin on Monday night for the final time.
In a statement, Mr Higgins said: “Serving as President of Ireland was a great privilege, and I would like to thank the people of Ireland for the warmth of reception which they gave to both Sabina and myself over the past 14 years.
: So, what will happen this morning?
President-elect Catherine Connnolly is set to leave Farmleigh House shortly after 11am.
From there, she will travel at Dublin Castle, where her official inauguration will begin at around noon.
The Declaration of Office wil take place at 12.40pm and Ms Connolly will address the nation in a statement after that.
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