President Higgins to remain in hospital for the weekend
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins will remain in hospital this weekend, but hopes to return to Áras an Uachtaráin early next week.
In a statement, the 82-yearold President thanked people for the outpouring of good wishes which he had received since his admission to St James’s Hospital on Thursday evening.
‘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,’ a spokesman for the President said.
‘President Michael D Higgins has 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.’
The statement continued: ‘It is anticipated that the President will return to Áras an Uachtaráin early next week.’
It is understood a conversation was held yesterday about discharging President Higgins, but it was decided that he would remain in St James’s Hospital as a precaution. The President felt unwell on Thursday, his spokesman said.
He was initially assessed at home in Áras an Uachtaráin in the Phoenix Park, where no immediate concerns were identified, but a decision was made to take him by ambulance to hospital for tests.
The initial results of those tests were described as ‘positive’, and the President was said to be ‘in excellent spirits’ in hospital, according to a statement from the Áras.
While he was away, an afternoon tea reception at the
Áras proceeded as planned yesterday, hosted by his wife, Sabina Higgins.
The President had been due to attend the FAI Women’s President’s Cup today, to be held in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, between Athlone Town and Peamount United.
Last Wednesday night, he presented the 2024 Volta award to British film director Steve McQueen, at the Dublin International Film Festival.
Earlier that day, he had received a courtesy call from Bui Thanh Son, the foreign affairs minister of Vietnam.
He also met Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and a parliamentary delegation to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Last July, the President had an elective medical procedure to relieve back pain.
Following this procedure, he continued his duties from Áras an Uachtaráin and from his home in Galway.
‘Monitor his blood pressure’