President Catherine Connolly made it clear she will speak out as she sees fit on political and policy issues - including the right to housing. Photograph: Ronan McGrade/Pacemaker
Tuesday’s inauguration of President Catherine Connolly paraded one of the essential elements of our democracy: after fiercely contested elections, all the political players come together to affirm not just the consent of the losers to the outcome, but a shared faith in the institutions on which rests the edifice of our political and public life.
The new President carried it all off with aplomb and assurance. She also served notice on the Government, solemnly ranged behind her on the dais in St Patrick’s Hall, that she will speak out as she sees fit on political and policy issues, referencing – for a start – neutrality, a right to housing, the Irish language, Irish unification and the failures of public services.
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