The Irish Presidential Election, 2025

Irish President, Catherine Connolly

Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the Presidential Inauguration

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• From: Department of the Taoiseach
• Published on: 11 November 2025
• Last updated on: 11 November 202

On this solemn & joyful day of celebration, it is a great honour for me to congratulate President Catherine Connolly – on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland – on entering upon her office as President of Ireland.

Today is also a momentous and happy day for President Connolly’s husband Brian, their children Bryan and Stephen their extended family and all their friends. Enjoy this day – you deserve it!​

In the context of a record of outstanding public service, I have no doubt that President Connolly will serve our country well. As Taoiseach, I look forward to working with President Connolly in the time ahead as Ireland continues to play a significant role on the global stage, and as we look forward to hosting the EU Presidency in the second half of 2026.

Today you begin your term as only the 10th President in our history. Yet you also represent the longest unbroken chain of democratically-elected heads of state in any European country.
Over the last nine decades our country has overcome many extraordinary challenges. Where other countries fell into the hands of extremism, the Irish people remained resilient in their commitment to our democracy.
A vital part of this has been the unique and unifying role of the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.
It is an office which has been held by people of many different backgrounds and beliefs – but each has shared a commitment to promoting respect for all.

A Uachtaráin, your words about seeking to bring calm at times of division and anger reflects that generous and inclusive spirit.

I take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of Michael D. Higgins who, as President, has brought distinction on our country. I also want to sincerely thank Sabina for all that she has done in the service of our country over the past fourteen years. We owe you both a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Anois cuirim fáilte roimh an Uachtarán Connolly a haitheasc insealbhaithe a thabhairt. ​​​​​​​

ENDS

​https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/speeches/remarks-by-taoiseach-miche%C3%A1l-martin-presidential-inauguration-dublin-castle/

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE IRISH AMBASSADOR TO MALAYSIA
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Orla Tunney is the Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia, having presented her Credentials to His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on 17 August.

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Welcome to the website of our Embassy, Ireland’s first resident Embassy in South East Asia. It is my honour to have been nominated by the Government of Ireland to be Ireland’s 8th Ambassador to Malaysia.

In some ways my arrival in Kuala Lumpur represents the closing of a circle which began very shortly after I joined the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland. Then Prime Minister Mahathir made an official visit to Ireland in 1992, accompanied by a large business delegation. As a junior diplomat I played a small supporting role for the visit and even then I was impressed by the diversity and vitality of the traveling party, and the breadth of shared interests underpinning the programme.

The intervening years have seen much change in the world, and it is particularly satisfying to note the further advancement of the bilateral relationship between our countries during that time. The presence of many Irish companies in Malaysia and the increased trade in both directions has contributed to the increase in the economic fortunes and the impressive growth of both countries. The further deepening of educational ties is testament to a shared commitment to the importance of excellent education, not only to allow individual graduates to fulfil their potential but also as a contribution to society as a whole. 

I look forward to getting to know this beautiful country, and to building more awareness here of Ireland and its people. As proud Europeans with a rich heritage and a global outlook, we have much more to share, and ever more friendships to build.

Orla Tunney,
Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia​
https://www.ireland.ie/en/malaysia/kualalumpur/abo…
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