President Higgins to remain in hospital with infection 'to continue course of antibiotics'

President Michael D Higgins travelled to St James’s Hospital on Sunday for the examination of an infection.

President Michael D Higgins (Jamie Childs/PA)

President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital for continued treatment after being admitted for examination of an infection.

The 84-year-old was admitted to St James’ Hospital in Dublin on Sunday night for the examination and was — subject to medical advice — expected to be discharged later on Monday. 

While he is understood to have recovered well, the advice is now that he remain in hospital. 

Áras an Uachtaráin communications chief Andrew Payne said: “President Higgins was yesterday admitted to St James' Hospital by arrangement in order to have a localised infection examined.

"The President has commenced a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.

"The president's medical team have noted a significant improvement since the commencement of the antibiotics and, in line with their advice, the president has agreed to remain in hospital to continue the course of antibiotics."

President Higgins suffered a mild stroke in February last year, from which he recovered fully after just a few weeks. ​He was hospitalised after experiencing what was described at the time as a “mild transient weakness” but which he later revealed was a very mild form of stroke.

It affected his left side, including his hand and hip, and had exacerbated problems with his lower back, but has not impacted his work.

In July 2023, he had to undergo an elective medical procedure to relieve back pain. The relatively minor procedure had been planned some time in advance. He continued to carry out his duties very shortly after it was carried out.

President Higgins' second and final term is due to end on November 10. On Friday, the public voted to elect left-wing independent Catherine Connolly as his successor.

Ms Connolly was announced as the winner of the election on Saturday, with a commanding margin of 63.36% of the first preference votes, ahead of Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys on 29.46% and Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin on 7.18%.

President-elect Catherine Connolly (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Gavin announced weeks before polling day that he was pulling out of the race but electoral rules meant his name remained on the ballot paper.

He dropped out after it emerged he owed a former tenant thousands of euro, which he has since repaid.

However, Fianna Fáil’s handling of the candidate selection process and resulting campaign has put the leadership’s decision-making under scrutiny.

Mr Gavin was put forward to the party by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and deputy leader Jack Chambers.

Fianna Fail TDs John McGuinness and John Lahart said over the weekend that the party had to have a discussion about the judgment of the leadership.