WATCH: Ireland's new President shares message of hope and solidarity at Christmas

President Catherine Connolly has addressed the nation in a powerful Christmas message that balances deep concern for global crises with a steadfast belief in the Irish spirit of community. Her words serve as a call to action for citizens to foster empathy and justice both at home and abroad during this holiday season.

In her historic first Christmas address as President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly has offered a poignant reflection on the state of the nation and our shared responsibilities in an increasingly fractured world.

Speaking from Áras an Uachtaráin (Presidential residence), she acknowledged the significant hardships many families face this year, particularly the housing crisis and the rising cost of living, which continues to strain household budgets across the country. The President emphasized that while Christmas is a time of joy for many, it also highlights the stark inequalities that persist within Irish society and the urgent need for systemic change.

Moving beyond domestic concerns, President Connolly turned her attention to the devastating conflicts currently unfolding in regions such as Gaza and Ukraine. She reminded the public that the history of struggle and migration in Ireland gives its people a unique perspective on the suffering of those displaced by war and violence. The message urged a renewed commitment to international peace and the protection of human rights, asserting that a small nation like Ireland must remain a vocal advocate for justice on the global stage.

Environmental issues also featured prominently in the broadcast as she called for a collective effort to address the climate emergency for the sake of future generations. She praised the passion of young people who are leading the way in demanding a more sustainable and equitable planet. Her inaugural message stands as a firm reminder that the strength of the Republic lies in its ability to care for its most vulnerable citizens while remaining engaged with the wider world.

Watch Catherine Connolly's Christmas address here:

Read President Catherine Connolly's full Christmas address below:

A chairde uaisle, a phobal na hÉireann; sibhse atá anseo sa mbaile; sibhse atá thar lear ag cur fuíbh ar fud an domhain; sibhse atá tagtha go dtí’n tír seo chun obair, cónaí agus cabhrú linn mar thír; agus sibhse ar bhreá libh a bheith in Éirinn; cuirim Beannachtaí na Nollag ó chroí chugaibh uilig.  

In this, my first Christmas message as President of Ireland I would like to wish each of you, here in Ireland and abroad, a very happy and joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Christmas is, above all, a season of goodwill and it is a time when we look forward with anticipation to a new year filled with possibility and hope.

In these final days of December, as we pass through the winter solstice and witness the darkest day of the year, slowly but surely the days will lengthen again. This natural rhythm echoes our shared human experience, offering us encouragement in difficult times and reminding us that better days always lie ahead.

Christmas invites us to reflect on the values that truly matter; kindness, tolerance, respect for each other’s differences, and to reflect on how we may nurture our shared humanity. 

Is am í tréimhse na Nollag chun machnamh a dhéanamh ní amháin ar an mbliain atá imithe, ach freisin ar an gcineál domhain ina maireann muid. 

Am chun smaoineamh faoin mbliain amach romhainn agus an cineál domhain ar mhaith linn a bheith againn, an cineál domhain ar mhaith linn a fhágáil inár ndiaidh mar oidhreacht dár gcuid páistí.

Domhan atá síochánta, suaimhneach.  Domhan atá fáilteach.  Domhan ina bhfuil meas ar éagsúlacht agus tuiscint nach bhfuil aon duine againn iomlán mar an gcéanna le héinne eile.  Domhan ina gcuirtear comhionannas agus cearta daonna chun tosaigh ar bhrabús agus saint. 

We hold in our thoughts the millions of people worldwide who are enduring the devastating impacts of interconnected crises of climate change, war, conflict, and displacement, the many families this Christmas who will sadly experience fear, uncertainty, or profound loss. 

In particular, we think of the people of Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan.

Our own history, marked by forced emigration and loss, gives us a lived understanding of the brutal realities of dispossession, hunger and war.

We think of those who are missing loved ones, those who may be struggling or without a home, those who are ill, and those who feel alone and lonely.

Is am í an Nollaig a mbíonn muid ag smaoineamh ar ár gclanna agus ár gcairde, bíodh siad in aice linn nó i bhfad uainn, nó imithe romhainn ar Shlí na Fírinne ach fós linn inár gcroíthe.  

We think of all those who generously give up so much of their Christmas to serve the needs of others, the many wonderful carers – those supporting loved ones within their own families, and those providing care in homes and communities across the country – those attending to the needs of the homeless, the vulnerable and the marginalised, our hospital workers and our emergency services.

I also wish to extend my deep gratitude to the members of the Irish Defence Forces who will spend this Christmas overseas, separated from their loved ones, safeguarding peace and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our shared global family, in regions far from our shores.

I am particularly mindful of our diaspora at this time of year. There is scarcely a family on this island that does not have a story of emigration woven into its history.  We are deeply proud of all of you, your achievements, your contributions across the world, and we send our warmest good wishes to you wherever you may be on this Christmas Day. 

We celebrate this Christmas season acutely aware of the challenges facing Ireland and the wider world.   Now more than ever we must work together and use our voices to celebrate diversity, to champion sustainable solutions to the climate crisis and to advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflict and war.

Is fúinne, atá ábalta, atá sé tabhairt faoin mbliain nua, le dóchas agus fonn, na hathraithe is gá a éileamh agus a chur i gcrích.  

I wish each and every one of you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with light, joy, and peace.

Níl fúm anois ach Beannachtaí na Nollag a guidh oraibh ar fad agus sonas agus suaimhneas sa bhliain amach romhainn.