Live: Catherine Connolly inaugurated as 10th President of Ireland
Catherine Connolly has become the tenth president of Ireland at Dublin Castle.
Ms Connolly took the oath of office from Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell shortly, officially becoming president shortly before 1pm.
She succeeds Michael D Higgins, who expanded the presidency’s political role – a feature Ms Connolly has said she will continue.
The will provide live coverage of the day’s events.
: In his speech, Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated President Connolly on behalf of both the Government and people of Ireland.
“In the context of a record of outstanding public service, I have no doubt that President Connolly will serve our country well,” Mr Martin said.
“As Taoiseach, I look forward to working with President Connolly in the time ahead as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage.” Mr Martin said President Connolly would be the 10th president, but she also represents the “longest unbroken chain of democratically elected heads of State in any European country”.
“Over the last nine decades, our country has overcome many extraordinary challenges. Where other countries fell into the hands of extremism, the Irish people remained resilient in their commitment to our democracy.
“A vital part of this has been the unique and unifying role of the Office of Uachtaráin nah Éireann.
“It is an office which has been held by people of many different beliefs, but each has shared a commitment to promoting respect for all.” Mr Martin said President Connolly’s commitment to bring “calm at times of division and anger reflects that generous and inclusive spirit.” The Taoiseach also praised former President Michael D Higgins, saying he had “brought distinction on our country”.
He also praised Sabina Higgins for her work, saying the country owed them a “tremendous debt of gratitude”.
In detail: Here’s what President Catherine Connolly wore for her inauguration.
The Irish-designed purple ensemble seems to be a nod to a similar outfit worn by Mary Robinson in 1990 upon her election
: Catherine Connolly has vowed to be a president of an Ireland where “all voices are represented, heard and valued,” and to “promote a public discourse that nourishes inclusivity, tolerance and active citizenship.”
At the end of President Connolly’s address, all gathered for the ceremony rise for the National Anthem, which is performed by the Army Number 1 Band and Gemma Ní Bhrian.
She has now left the ceremony.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is the first to speak after President Connolly is inaugurated.
Mr Martin said Ms Connolly would “serve our country well”, while saying he looked forward to working with her.
He heaps praise on former President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, saying the country owes them a “debt of gratitude” Mr Martin then invites Ms Connolly to make her first address as President.
: After the administration of the presidential declaration, President Connolly is provided with the Presidential Seal.
This is the formal seal of office of the President, which is presented to each new President upon their inauguration.
It consists of the Brian Boru harp, with the name of the Irish State as Gaeilge, alongside ornamentation based on the thousand-year-old Ardagh Chalice.
The seal itself is imprinted on any orders, warrants or commissions which are signed by the President.
As she is confirmed as the 10th President, a 21-gun salute sounds at Collins Barracks, as the Presidential flag is lifted over the State Apartments in Dublin Castle.
Catherine Connolly is now the 10th President of Ireland, after taking the Presidential declaration.
The declaration itself is administered by the Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, with President Connolly taking it in Irish, as has happened in all previous inaugurations.
But in English, Ms Connolly pledged: "In the presence of Almighty God, I do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws, that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Ireland. May God direct and sustain me."
: A prayer service kicks off the inauguration, with representatives from each of the major religions in attendance.
The initial prayer is from Dr Michael Jackson, the Archbishop of Dublin of the Church of Ireland.
The Gospel is read by Rt Reverend Dr Trevor D Gribben, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Archbishop Dermot Farrell calls for the “generous blessing” of President Connolly.
“We pray also in hope for our country at the start of this new Presidency. May the values of decency, fairness and mutual respect thrive in our communities,” Archbishop Farrell said.
Reverand Alan Wardlow provides ‘A Prayer for the President’.
“Enable her to work for a just and inclusive society where all people are valued evenly. May all her work be carried out in dependence on you Lord and for the wellbeing of everyone.”
Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder called for blessings of President-elect Connolly, while Shaheen Ahmed of the Islamic Cultural Foundation calls for blessings that Ms Connolly for courage to “lead with integrity.”
: As president elect Catherine Connolly arrives at the Dais and is seated, there's a musical interlude.
Gerry Lambe on the uileann pipes plays Galway Bay.
: The presidential inauguration ceremony for Catherine Connolly is under way at St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.
It began with a service of prayer and reflection.
Outgoing president Michael D Higgins received a round of applause as he arrived in the hall.
: The President-elect has arrived at Dublin Castle.
A motorcade carrying Catherine Connolly to her ceremony has made its way to the event.
She was greeted by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Finance minister Paschal Donohoe
: Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among the last of the major dignitaries to arrive at Dublin Castle.
He was joined by his wife Mary Martin moments ago.
As for the chair on the stage, it is the Presidential Inauguration Chair, which was commissioned in 2011 by the Office of Public Works and designed and crafted by John Lee, one of Ireland’s foremost contemporary furniture designers.
A government handout says it is "fashioned from Irish white oak — a symbol of strength, endurance and fertility — the most prominent feature of the Chair is the free-flowing, sweeping arms, which dynamically link the entire piece."
Inspired by the Irish saying Céad Míle Fáilte, the outstretched, welcoming arms on the chair reflect the ambassadorial role of the President.
"The clean crisp lines, elegant proportions and timeless design are a reflection of the dignity of the office of the President without being overwhelming or dominating.
The Inauguration Chair, an expression of modern Ireland, accompanies the existing period mahogany table which creates a link to past."
The Chair was first used for the 2011 inauguration of Michael D Higgins as President of Ireland.
Before 2011, all Presidential Inaugurations used the vice-regal throne, the former throne of the Viceroy of Ireland or Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The original crown, which had adorned the top rail of the throne, was removed before the first inauguration in 1938, and an Irish harp was stitched into the fabric.
: Tánaiste Simon Harris has said today is a "great day."
He and his wife Caoimhe Wade arrived at Dublin Castle moments ago.
: Michael D Higgins has now arrived at Dublin Castle.
Mr Higgins, who served as president for the last 14 years, left Áras an Úachtaráin on Monday night for the final time.
He will return to his home in Galway later this week.
: A large number of TDs have now made their way into Dublin Castle.
Alongside them are former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Leo Varadkar, who briefly met on the red carpet beforehand.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna and Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik are also in attendance.
: Guests have started to arrive at Dublin Castle for the inauguration of Catherine Connolly.
Among them are Limerick's mayor John Moran, former TDs Joan Collins and Thomas Pringle and bother of Ireland's former female Presidents in Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has also arrived ahead of the ceremony.
The view from the balcony in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, where Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated in a few hours.
The event takes place in the hall, part of the State Apartments, which dominate the south side of the Upper Courtyard of Dublin Castle.
They were built as the residential and public quarters of the viceregal court and served as the seat of the executive and the focus of Dublin's upper-class social life.
Today, the Apartments host Ireland’s Presidential Inaugurations and other prestigious events, including state dinners, most recently for former US president Joe Biden.
St Patrick’s Hall, within the State Apartments, has been the venue for Presidential Inaugurations since Douglas Hyde.
The Upper Yard at Dublin Castle was initially suggested as a possible venue by Éamon de Valera, but he was persuaded that the Irish weather could not be relied upon, so the ceremony was moved indoors to St Patrick’s Hall.
: 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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