President Michael D Higgins to remain in hospital for weekend
President Higgins has thanked the public for the outpouring of well-wishes for him
President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital over the weekend, it has been confirmed.
A statement issued on Friday evening read: "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.
"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 Áras an Uachtaráin early next week."
Reports have described President Higgins as being in "good form".
President Higgins was initially assessed at Arás an Uachtaráin on Thursday where no “immediate concerns were identified”.
“A decision was made to proceed to hospital in order to undergo tests, the initial results of which have been positive,” a statement said on Thursday night.
President Higgins attended several public events during the week, and last weekend greeted the teams at the Ireland vs Wales rugby match in the Aviva Stadium.
He is now expected to leave hospital on Monday, at the earliest.