Making Irish the working language of the Áras, as our new President Catherine Connolly has said she wants to do, signals a country stepping forward from its complicated past, asserting leadership and self-belief. But what are the practical implications? Photograph: Dan Dennison

Mollie Guidera: Yes. If there is anywhere Irish should be spoken and cherished, it is in the Áras

Ireland is finally taking ownership of its native tongue. We are acknowledging that our cultural identity is fite fuaite – interwoven with the words we use and the world they shape. Making Irish the working language of the Áras, as our president-elect Catherine Connolly has said she wants to do, signals a country stepping forward from its complicated past, asserting leadership and self-belief. It reflects what Ireland aspires to be, not what it was once forced to become.

During the recent election campaign, many voters said Connolly’s knowledge and love of Irish were among the chief reasons they voted for her. Learning and using the language is a worthwhile, enjoyable challenge, which more and more people are undertaking. If anyone feels that the use of Irish somehow excludes them because they don’t speak it, the message should be “is fiú agus is féidir” – it’s worth it and you can do it. President Connolly spoke during the election campaign about returning to learn Irish as an adult and the satisfaction of doing so.

If there is anywhere Irish should be spoken and cherished, it is in the Áras. The use of our first official language in the home of our first citizen is a concrete and meaningful way in which the language can be promoted and afforded proper respect. When foreign dignitaries are received by our head of State, they will be welcomed not just by our symbols and our flag, but by our language – guth na nd