Catherine Connolly sworn in as Ireland's 10th president

LONDON -- Catherine Connolly was sworn in as Ireland's 10th president at Dublin Castle on Tuesday.

During the ceremony around noon, Connolly repeated the Declaration of Office after the country's Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell, then signed the Declaration and accepted the seal of office, officially assuming the presidency.

Calling for "sustainable existence" on the planet, she quoted Ireland's history of famine and diaspora, highlighting the country's understanding and role on key international issues, including wars and conflicts.

Lauding the Good Friday Agreement as a "model for the peaceful resolution of conflict," Connolly said, "I look forward to paying my first official visit to the North. And meeting with people from all communities and celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there."

The ceremony ended with the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland.

Backed by several left-wing parties, including Sinn Fein, Connolly last month won Ireland's presidential election by a landslide with 63.36 percent of first preference votes.

The 68-year-old independent politician has served as a member of parliament for the Galway West constituency since 2016, and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister. She became the deputy speaker of the parliament's lower house in 2020, the first woman to hold the post.