His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Catherine Connolly to congratulate her on her election as the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland, offering words of encouragement and praise for her long record of public service and the renewed presence of women in Ireland’s highest office.

In the letter, sent from his residence at Thekchen Choling in Dharamsala, northern India, the Tibetan spiritual leader wrote: “Your many years’ experience in public service will serve you well in these trying times when the world is confronting immense challenges.” (Central Tibetan Administration)

The Dalai Lama went on to highlight the significance of Ireland electing another woman president, noting the importance of compassion in leadership. “In addition to your election crowning your personal achievements, I am pleased to note that your country has once more elected a woman president,” he wrote. “As you may know, there is scientific evidence that when it comes to compassion, women are more sensitive to the feelings of others. I therefore believe that if more of our leaders were women, the world would be a more understanding, peaceful place.” (Central Tibetan Administration)

Concluding his message, His Holiness expressed his best wishes for Connolly’s time in office: “I wish you every success in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Ireland.” (Central Tibetan Administration)

Connolly, 68, was sworn in at Dublin Castle on Tuesday as Ireland’s 10th president. She succeeds Michael D. Higgins, whose 14-year tenure ended at midnight before the ceremony. The inauguration was attended by senior Irish political leaders, judges, and former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, as well as Micheál Marti, Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister).

In her first address as president, Connolly said: “The people have spoken and have given their president a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic—a republic worthy of its name, where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right.” (Phayul) 

Connolly was elected by a landslide vote in late October, defeating Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. A long-time member of parliament for Galway West, Connolly has also worked as a barrister and psychologist. Her presidency, while largely ceremonial, carries moral and symbolic influence as Ireland’s head of state. She noted in her address that “our actions today will shape the world our grandchildren will inherit,” adding, “we can and should take real pride in the success of the Good Friday Agreement model of peaceful resolution of conflict.” (BBC News)

Connolly has long been an advocate of equity, championing efforts including affordable housing, renter’s rights, inclusion of the disabled, and welfare of workers. She has also been an advocate of preserving Irish culture through its language. Her foreign policy stances have focused on promoting and preserving peace, speaking against war, proliferation of weapons, and international justice. She has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and worked for Ireland’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign nation.

The Dalai Lama’s letter to President Connolly continues his tradition of sending messages of goodwill to newly elected leaders around the world, often emphasizing shared human values such as compassion, dialogue, and mutual respect. His Holiness’s remarks echo his long-standing belief that compassion is essential for leadership in a time of global uncertainty and interdependence.

See more

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Congratulates the New President of Ireland (Central Tibetan Administration)
Catherine Connolly becomes 10th president of Ireland (BBC News)
Dalai Lama congratulates new President of Ireland Catherine Connolly (Phayul)
Explained: Left-wing Catherine Connolly set to be Ireland’s new president – what are her views? (Times of India)

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