President Higgins To Remain In Hospital Over The Weekend

President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital over the weekend, as a precaution, a spokesperson has confirmed.

The decision has been taken in order to monitor the president's blood pressure, having been admitted to hospital yesterday.

Despite being admitted yesterday, President Higgins was in "excellent spirits" according to reports. He is also thankful for the "outpouring" of support he has received, expressing his "deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care". 

A conversation had reportedly taken place yesterday about discharging Mr Higgins, before the decision was taken to keep him in over the weekend as a precaution. 

"The President was initially assessed at Áras an Uachtaráin 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", a statement read. 

"The President, who will remain in hospital overnight, is in excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received". 

President Higgins last night presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the @DublinFilmFest pic.twitter.com/tZGdlHBJWo

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) February 29, 2024

Earlier, Mr Higgins had received a courtesy call from Vietnam's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son. He also met the Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, and a parliamentary delegation to Áras an Uachtaráin. 

President Higgins was also in attendance at the International Film Festival to present the 2024 Volta award to British film director Steve McQueen.

He was scheduled to host an afternoon tea reception at his official resident, as well as attend the FAI Women's President's Cup today.