President Michael D Higgins Spends Night In Hospital, But In 'Excellent Spirits'

President Michael D Higgins is in "excellent spirits", despite spending the night at a Dublin hospital.

The president was taken to hospital as a precaution, having reported feeling unwell at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, with a statement later confirming that he stayed in the hospital overnight.

"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", the 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".

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 today, as well as attend the FAI Women's President's Cup tomorrow.

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