Overview
- Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell is scheduled to read the presidential declaration in Irish at 12.40pm, with Connolly to repeat it before signing to formally take office.
- A 21‑gun salute will be fired from Collins Barracks once the Seal of Office is presented, followed by a Defence Forces guard of honour, a four‑aircraft flypast and a motorcade to Áras an Uachtaráin.
- Former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, Taoiseach and Tánaiste, members of the judiciary, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill are among those attending.
- Michael D Higgins left Áras an Uachtaráin last evening as his term expired at midnight, with a constitutional commission handling duties until Connolly assumes office.
- Elected on October 25 with about 63% of first‑preference votes, Connolly has signalled a focus on peace, Irish neutrality and climate action during her presidency, while Higgins is reported to retain garda protection after leaving office.