Catherine Connolly becomes 10th president of Ireland

Gabija GataveckaiteBBC NI News Dublin Correspondent , Dublin Castle

Reuters Catherine Connolly, with short grey hair, wearing a purple top and purple jacket. She is standing behind a wooden podium. — Catherine Connolly was elected as the Republic of Ireland’s 10th president in a landslide vote at the end of October

Catherine Connolly has said she will make sure all voices are nurtured and heard during her presidency.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, where she was inaugurated as the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland, she said the country has been undergoing “seismic changes” since the end of the Cold War.

She said she was looking forward to her first visit to Northern Ireland as president and that she would foster an inclusive dialogue across the island.

Connolly was elected in a landslide vote at the end of October, defeating Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.

In her speech, she said “our actions today will shape the world our grandchildren will inherit”.

She also said: “We can and should take real pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement model of peaceful resolution of conflict.”

Catherine Connolly becomes 10th president of Ireland — Former Irish presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese and former taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar attend Catherine Connolly’s inauguration

PA Media Catherine Connolly with short grey hair, wearing a purple top and purple jacket, sits at an ornate table. In the background are Mary Robinson, who has short grey hair and is wearing a purple jacket over a black jumper; Mary McAleese who has shoulder length blonde hair, glasses and is wearing a purple dress; and Leo Varadkar who has short black hair and wearing a dark blue jacket and a blue shirt and tie. — Former Irish presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese and former taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar attend Catherine Connolly’s inauguration

The 68 year old has taken over the role from Michael D Higgins, whose 14-year term ended at midnight.

The inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle on Tuesday was attended by politicians, judges and other invited guests.

As well as Mr Higgins, former Irish presidents, Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson, were in attendance.

Taoiseach (Ireland’s prime minister) Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly on assuming office saying it was a “happy and momentous” day for her and her family.

PA Catherine Connolly, with short grey hair, wearing a purple top and purple jacket, pictured during her inauguration ceremony as Ireland's 10th president in Dublin Castle. She is standing beside chief justice Donal O'Donnell (right). — Catherine Connolly, pictured with chief justice Donal O’Donnell, as she read out her presidential declaration in Irish

The Republic of Ireland’s president is the country’s head of state, however it is a non-executive role.

On Tuesday morning, she travelled from Farmleigh at Phoenix Park to Dublin Castle with her husband, Brian McEnery, in a ceremonial motorcade.

She was sworn into office in St Patrick’s Hall by the chief justice Donal O’Donnell.

A service of prayer and reflection took place during the ceremony.

Connolly was presented with the Presidential Seal and made a speech.

Who attended the inauguration?

PACEMAKER Michelle O'Neill smiling. She is wearing a purple blazer with a white top. She has blonde hair. — Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended the ceremony

As well as the taoiseach, tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris, senior Irish government ministers and judges attended the inauguration.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill also attended the ceremony and was accompanied by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.

However, in her inauguration speech, Connolly mistakenly called O’Neill “Michelle Smith”.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly did not attended the inauguration.

Little-Pengelly said she has a number of commitments in Belfast and Windsor for Remembrance Day on Tuesday.

She wished the new president well and said she was hoping to have a phone call with her.

PA Media Mary O'Shea wearing a green and black coat, she has dark hair and Micheál Martin , he is wearing a navy suit with navy tie. — Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his wife Mary O’Shea at Dublin Castle

In the absence of Little-Pengelly, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) did not send a representative to the inauguration, with party leader Gavin Robinson insisting it was not a “snub”.

He said the party would be “pleased” to meet Connolly when she visits Northern Ireland in the future in her formal capacity.

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Steve Aiken was the only unionist politician to attend the inauguration.

He attended in place of party leader Mike Nesbitt who had other commitments.

He said it is not a bad look that he is the only unionist attending the event.

“I actually understand the reasons why some of them weren’t able to make it, because obviously Emma Little-Pengelly would be here in other circumstances, but today is Armistice Day,” he told BBC News NI.

“And it’s very important for her to be in Belfast and also to be with our head of state, the King, in Windsor Castle.

“There’s no snub, or no snub are intended, and that’s why I am here.

“I am here, I am a unionist, and we have a substantial part of the vote. So we are here and we are showing the respect due to the president.”