New era as Martin Walsh sworn in as Boston mayor

A new political era began as Martin Walsh was sworn in as the new mayor of Boston, succeeding the city’s longest-serving chief Thomas Menino, who retired after more than two decades in office.

‘‘I will listen. I will learn. I will lead,’’ Walsh — whose parents hail from Connemara, Co Galway — said at his swearing-in ceremony at Boston College.

The former Democratic state representative and onetime labour leader called Boston a city of courage, of champions, and of big dreams, noting that he was once just a child from the city’s Dorchester area and joking that even his mother would be surprised at how far he had come.