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BBC NI News Dublin Correspondent, Gabija Gataveckaite, reported that Catherine Connolly expressed her commitment to ensuring all voices are nurtured and heard during her presidency. Connolly was recently elected as the Republic of Ireland’s 10th president in a landslide vote at the end of October. She emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive dialogue across the island and spoke about the significant changes Ireland has undergone since the end of the Cold War during her inauguration at Dublin Castle.
Taking over the role from Michael D Higgins, whose 14-year term ended at midnight, 68-year-old Connolly was sworn into office in St. Patrick’s Hall by the chief justice in a ceremony attended by various dignitaries. She expressed pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement as a model for peaceful conflict resolution. Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly on assuming office, calling it a “happy and momentous” day for her and her family.
Following her inauguration, Connolly embarked on a ceremonial motorcade from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park to Dublin Castle with her husband, Brian McEnery. The ceremony included a service of prayer and reflection, during which Connolly was presented with the Presidential Seal and made a speech. The newly inaugurated president is set to travel to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official home of the Irish president, via motorcade, where a state reception will be held on Tuesday evening. Connolly’s presidency will trigger a by-election in Galway West, as she has served as a TD since 2016, in addition to her previous work as a barrister and psychologist.
Notable attendees at the inauguration included Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, and other senior government officials and judges. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald were also present, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was notably absent due to commitments in Belfast and Windsor for Remembrance Day. Despite the absence of Little-Pengelly, Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson clarified that the party’s non-attendance was not a “snub,” expressing willingness to meet Connolly in her formal capacity when she visits Northern Ireland. Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken was the sole unionist politician in attendance, representing party leader Mike Nesbitt, who had prior engagements. Aiken emphasized the importance of showing respect to the president, highlighting the significance of the event despite the absence of other unionist representatives
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