The Inauguration Day of Catherine Connolly as 10th Uachtarán na hÉireann opened for many with ponderings on what the theme of her tenure will be, and indeed, if it will be mirrored in the portrait of tomorrow’s Ireland. Some insight into how Ireland under her presidency may appear—to its people and to onlookers worldwide—was provided by the closing words of her bilingual inaugural address: “I will embrace the role of the president with dignity, determination, and courage.” Before Connolly came Michael D Higgins, who was admired in roughly equal measure for his integrity, bravery, and willingness to pose difficult questions. As for his grá mór (great love) for his Bernese mountain dogs, President Higgins and his wife Sabina were fittingly met by a guard of honour of the breed as they left Áras an Uachtaráin on their last day.

Higgins’ tenure as president was perhaps the most internationalist of all to date, pushing constitutional boundaries and focusing on social justice and morality. Over his fourteen years, world leaders were welcomed to the Áras in memorable fashion by President Higgins’ happy (and yes, truly mountainous) best friends Bród, Síoda, and Misneach. Bród and Síoda have sadly passed away, but we can be sure that Misneach, whose name means courage, will have very much approved of President Connolly’s inaugural speech, having understood from it that he is still a star of the show, after all!

This new chapter does begin with Connolly appearing ideologically aligned with Higgins on many positions. They share a deep appreciation of the Irish language and Ireland’s heritage, along with an affinity for the Irish diaspora worldwide, those living in the North from all traditions, and the “new Irish” who have brought with them valued contributions and diversity, which form part of the promising future envisaged for Ireland. President Connolly is keen to show a steadyhand approach alongside the straight-talking for which she has become known, and it is clear from her address that she can envisage a path to a desired united Ireland, but the president has also been clear that all steps taken on that path must be steps taken with the consensus of all, for all.

Dignity, determination, and courage may be the most robust signals from Connolly of what will direct her presidency, her relationship with the Irish people, and her influence on Ireland’s relationship with the world, especially in places where peace has long been sought. It is significant that President Conolly chose to highlight the legacy of 1998’s Good Friday Agreement and painted a picture of the road travelled so far, in recognising the achievements of her three most immediate predecessors. Cognisant that even with her historymaking landslide victory of 63% of first preference votes (Ireland uses a proportional representation electoral system), history was also made on election day by the never-before-seen percentage of spoiled ballots (almost 13%), Connolly has stressed her intention to be an uachtarán do gach duine (president for all the people) and she comprehends the varied concerns and desires of the wider public.

Nonetheless, President Connolly emphasised her intention to act in line with the principles that those who voted for her believe in. Her speech referenced climate change, housing, Ireland’s neutrality, and the important role the country has played in international peacekeeping, indicating the issues by which her presidency may come to be defined. The courage cited in her inaugural address was also a public announcement of the consequential role she intends Ireland to play on the international stage.

Dignity, Determination, and Courage

Connolly’s decision to articulate a form of leadership that respects the constitutional role of the president emphasises that she will not shy away from testing the boundaries of what that means (with regard to acting on issues), which is a conception of the presidential office deviating from the traditional understanding. This may be an appropriate response to the global picture today, in which Ireland’s authority and influence derive from its bold voice on matters of international law, justice, and equality—an approach that President Higgins also embodied. Ireland’s presidential role is contingent on Bunreacht na hÉireann, its constitution, but it is set out only foundationally, allowing precedents to take different approaches and draw different meanings from the role.

This is arguably an intelligent way in which the office can contain the flexibility to allow the holder to be reactive to the needs of the politics of the day; it has, in recent eras, resulted in a pattern of overarching values characteristic of an Uachtarán’s individual tenure. Connolly’s message is a message for and from the Ireland of today. It is one of continued internationalism, outspokenness, and a solid emphasis on the space in which Irish language, culture, and influence will progress.