‘Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam’: Connolly a unifying president, but still a catalyst for change
President Catherine Connolly speaks to school children from Francis Street School outside Dublin Castle after being inaugurated as Ireland's 10th president. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
A unifying president, a steady hand, but still a catalyst for change.
In her closing remarks, Catherine Connolly outlined the kind of president she intends to be as she formally took office following her election last month.
When she rose to speak in St Patrick's Hall at Dublin Castle, President Connolly’s address struck the expected chords — peace, diversity, inclusion and, importantly, joy.
She told the assembled Oireachtas members, former officeholders, judiciary, faith leaders, press, and friends and family that she stood “humbly and proudly” as Ireland’s 10th president.
“The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic, a republic worthy of its name, where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right,” President Connolly said.
“The change that led to this joyful day began with a small group of elected representatives and volunteers facing what appeared to be insurmountable challenges.
“We were led to believe that it was too big a leap, that their ideas were too far, too left, at odds with the prevailing narrative in shared conversation.
“However, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect or represent people's values and concerns.
“Time and time again, people spoke of how it served to silence, to other, to label, to exclude and to stifle critical thinking.
“However, along with meaningful engagement, we saw the emergence of hope. We saw the emergence of joy, along with the courage and determination of people to use their voices to shape a country that we can be proud of."
That message of joy carried through to the religious reflection, echoing a key theme of St Paul’s epistle to the Philippians.
In front of former presidents Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D. Higgins, and former taoisigh Bertie Ahern, Brian Cowen and Leo Varadkar, President Connolly pledged to serve with “dignity, determination and courage” before reaffirming her belief in a united Ireland.
Much had been made of Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly’s decision not to attend due to Remembrance Day commitments in the North, but while Connolly’s speech was not pointed, it was clear and deliberate.
“We can and should take real pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement, knowing that this is recognised far and wide, and is a model for the peaceful resolution of conflict.
“We also know that this journey of peace and reconciliation was the result of meticulous and methodical work over a long period of time, and this work continues to this day. I look forward to paying my first official visit to the North and meeting with people from all communities and celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there.
“I am particularly conscious of Article Three of the Constitution, which sets out in detail the firm wish of the Irish people, the Irish nation, to have a united Ireland, albeit with the conditions set out very clearly in that article.
“As President, I will foster an inclusive and open dialogue across the Island, in a manner that highlights and recognises our similarities and respects our differences."
In Irish — a cornerstone of her address — she said the language should be allowed to “bloom.”
“It is you, the ordinary people of Ireland whom I met as I travelled around the country, who inspired me during the campaign — the people who struggle because of a lack of services every day, gaps that are there despite us living in such a wealthy country," she said.
“I am thankful for your generosity in sharing your stories and supporting me. It is you who gives me hope, a hope that I will use now as President as I work on your behalf.
“The Irish language has such importance in projecting the soul and spirit of the country. I understand that for many years that soul and spirit were repressed. It was done deliberately in some cases, or because of neglect, a lack of care or a lack of understanding.”
“Tir gan teanga, tír gan anam,” she added.
Following her speech, President Connolly was accompanied by the Army No. 1 Band before inspecting troops in the courtyard of Dublin Castle — her first act as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
She then greeted and high-fived children from Francis Street School, just a short walk from the castle, before departing with her husband Brian and their family for their new home at Áras an Uachtaráin.
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