'Strong chance' President Michael D Higgins will be released from hospital tomorrow

It’s understood President Higgins could be released from hospital as early as tomorrow and he continues to be in excellent spirits. File picture: James Warwick

President Michael D Higgins remains in hospital but there is a “strong chance” he will be released tomorrow, the Irish Examiner understands.

President Higgins, 82, has thanked the public for the outpouring of well wishes which he has received since his admission to hospital on Thursday evening.

He was brought to hospital for precautionary tests after feeling unwell and his blood pressure was monitored over the weekend.

A spokesman said on Friday that President Higgins is expected to return to the Áras early next week.

It’s understood President Higgins could be released from hospital as early as tomorrow and he continues to be in excellent spirits.

A discussion was held about discharging the president on Friday, but a decision was made for him to remain in hospital over the weekend as a precaution.

In a statement last week, a spokesman said: “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,” the statement added.

Paramedics were called to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday and assessed the President’s condition before he was taken to hospital.