Pecohub The inauguration of Ireland’s 10th president, Catherine Connolly, is set to take place later on Tuesday at Dublin Castle, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political history.
Connolly, an independent politician, emerged winner in a landslide election win at the end of October, defeating Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys to secure the presidency.
The 68-year-old succeeds Michael D. Higgins, whose historic 14-year tenure concluded at midnight.
The ceremony is expected to draw senior government officials, judges, diplomats, and invited guests. The president-elect will depart Farmleigh in Phoenix Park with her husband, Brian McEnery, in a ceremonial motorcade bound for Dublin Castle, where she will take the oath of office.
Connolly will be sworn in by the Chief Justice inside St. Patrick’s Hall, followed by a brief service of prayer and reflection. Afterward, she will deliver her inaugural address, officially marking the start of her presidency and outlining her vision for Ireland.
Among the dignitaries attending are Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, and members of the judiciary. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald are also expected to be in attendance.
However, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not participate, citing Remembrance Day events in Belfast and Windsor. She extended her best wishes to Connolly, expressing hope for future engagement.
The Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, will not be officially represented at the event. Its leader, Gavin Robinson, clarified that the absence should not be viewed as a political snub, adding that the party would welcome an opportunity to meet the new president in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken will attend on behalf of his party’s leader, Mike Nesbitt.
Following the inauguration, President Connolly will proceed to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, for a state reception later in the evening.
Connolly, who has served as a Teachta Dála, TD, since 2016, previously worked as a barrister and psychologist.
