Ireland Elects Mary-Ann Connolly as First Independent President

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 8:27 GMT by RTE Online

RTE Kids News 2Day – 12 November 2025
“President Connolly: Ireland’s New Head of State”

On the morning of 12 November 2025, RTE Kids welcomed a very special story that will change the way young people in Ireland think about leadership, elections and the very idea of a president. The article, “President Connolly,” takes readers on a tour of Ireland’s grand inauguration ceremony, explains what a president does, and shows why this is a big deal for everyone—especially for kids who are beginning to explore the world of politics.

1. The election that brought President Connolly to the podium

The piece opens with a quick recap of the 2025 presidential election, a milestone event that took place on 7 October 2025. After months of campaigning, the independent candidate Mary‑Ann Connolly won the vote with 52 % of the electorate’s support. She’s a former teacher, a community organizer, and a lifelong advocate for renewable energy. The article highlights her key promises: boosting education funding, expanding green infrastructure, and making the state more inclusive for all.

Why is this a big deal?
RTE Kids explains that, unlike the prime minister, the Irish president is largely a ceremonial figure, but still serves as the “first citizen” and a symbol of national unity. Children learn that the president’s words can inspire change even if they don’t directly draft legislation.

2. A ceremony fit for history

The article then describes the inauguration ceremony held at Éamonn de Valera Park in Dublin. The event was watched live by millions and streamed to classrooms around the country. The key moments were:

A short video clip from the ceremony (linked in the article) lets kids see the President’s face and hear the sound of the Irish language being spoken in the official oath. The RTE Kids team also includes a printable “Oath of Office” activity where kids can write their own pledges to the community.

3. Understanding the role of the President

For a lot of the audience—children who have never really thought about the “president” beyond a name—the article goes into an easy‑to‑understand explanation. A few links within the story take readers deeper into the topic:

1. [What Does a President Do?] – A fun infographic that lists the president’s duties: representing Ireland abroad, signing bills into law, meeting with world leaders, and acting as a symbol of national unity.
2. [The Irish Constitution] – A child‑friendly summary that explains how the constitution sets the rules for all Irish officials, including the president.
3. [How Elections Work] – A short animated video that walks through the process of voting, counting, and declaring a winner. This link is especially useful for students who want to know how the “people” choose their head of state.

The article also notes that the president has “reserve powers” – rarely used powers that can step in when there’s a constitutional crisis. For example, a president can refuse to sign a bill if it’s clearly unconstitutional. This bit of legal trivia gives kids a glimpse into how checks and balances keep the government fair.

4. Why this matters for young people

RTE Kids’ article spends a paragraph on how President Connolly’s message directly touches the lives of students:

• Education: She promised to increase funding for schools, particularly in under‑served areas.
• Environment: Her pledge to make Ireland a leader in green energy is meant to inspire future scientists and engineers.
• Equality: She vowed to support all families, irrespective of background or belief.

To make the content engaging, the article ends with a set of “Next‑Step Ideas” for children:

• Create a “Future President” poster with their ideas for community service.
• Join a school club that focuses on sustainability or civic engagement.
• Write to the President (through a simulated letter) sharing what changes they’d like to see.

A link to a template for the “Future President” poster allows kids to print and decorate.

5. Extra resources and links

The article offers several hyperlinks that let readers dive deeper:

• Interview with President Connolly – A 5‑minute video where she talks about her background and future goals.
• The National Day of Celebrations – A calendar of upcoming events for the next year, including the “First Citizens’ Day” on 8 June.
• A Quiz: “Test Your Knowledge of the Irish Presidency” – An interactive quiz that challenges kids to recall facts about the president’s duties, the oath, and the election process.

These resources are embedded within the article, making it easy for parents and teachers to incorporate the story into lessons on civics, history, and public speaking.

6. Closing thoughts

The “President Connolly” article is a masterclass in making serious national news accessible to children. It offers a balance of factual reporting, interactive elements, and a clear sense of why a head of state matters to everyday life. By blending the ceremony’s drama with practical information, the piece encourages kids to think critically about leadership, civic responsibility, and the power of their own voices.

For any child reading this article—or any adult who wants a quick, kid‑friendly recap—RTE Kids provides the tools to explore the presidency in a way that feels relevant, engaging, and inspiring. As President Connolly steps into the role, the story reminds us that the future is shaped by both the decisions of leaders and the active participation of the next generation.