Catherine Connolly, an independent politician, was officially inaugurated as the Republic of Ireland’s 10th president in a grand ceremony held at Dublin Castle on Tuesday. The 68-year-old, who secured a landslide victory in the October elections, succeeds Michael D. Higgins, whose 14-year tenure concluded at midnight. The event was attended by prominent figures including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, senior government ministers, and judges. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also graced the occasion, though Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was absent due to prior commitments related to Remembrance Day. Connolly, accompanied by her husband Brian McEnery, arrived at Dublin Castle in a ceremonial motorcade from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the chief justice, took place in St Patrick’s Hall, followed by a service of prayer and reflection. Connolly delivered a speech after receiving the Presidential Seal, emphasizing her commitment to being an inclusive leader for all. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) did not send a representative, with party leader Gavin Robinson clarifying it was not a snub but a scheduling conflict. Ulster Unionist Party assembly member Steve Aiken attended in place of his party leader, Mike Nesbitt. Post-ceremony, Connolly traveled to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, where a state reception was held later in the evening. Connolly, who has served as a TD since 2016, brings a wealth of experience as a barrister and psychologist to her new role. Her election will trigger a by-election in Galway West.