Irish President Michael D Higgins is to remain in St James’s Hospital over the weekend, it has been confirmed.
It is understood that the decision was made for him to remain in hospital as a precautionary measure.
Mr Higgins was admitted to St James’s Hospital yesterday after feeling unwell.
“President Michael D Higgins has thanked the public for the outpouring of well wishes which he has received since his admission to St James’s Hospital yesterday evening and would like to express his deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care,” a statement said.
“Following tests which were carried out after his admission, the president will remain in hospital over the weekend in order to monitor his blood pressure.
“It is anticipated that the president will return to Aras an Uachtarain early next week.”
Paramedics were called to Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday and assessed the 82-year-old.
In a statement last night a spokesman for the president said: “Aras an Uachtarain can confirm that, having felt unwell, President Michael D Higgins was this evening brought to hospital for precautionary tests.
“The president was initially assessed at Aras an Uachtarain where no immediate concerns were identified but a decision was made to proceed to hospital in order to undergo tests, the initial results of which have been positive.
“The president, who will remain in hospital overnight, is in excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received.”
