President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, aged 82, was taken to hospital on Thursday after feeling unwell. He was initially assessed by a doctor at his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, before being transferred to hospital as a precaution.
A spokesperson for Áras an Uachtaráin told the Irish Mirror that no immediate concerns were identified during the initial assessment. The president underwent tests, with initial results described as positive. He will remain in hospital overnight and is said to be in excellent spirits, thanking medical staff for their care.
Higgins had a busy week prior to his hospitalisation. On Wednesday, he presented the 2024 Volta lifetime achievement award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival. Earlier in the week, he hosted foreign diplomats and attended the RTÉ Folk Awards in Dublin.
On Monday, Higgins appealed to countries including the UK and Germany to reinstate funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Several nations had frozen contributions amid Israeli allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October Hamas attack. Higgins urged them to provide support to avert a catastrophe in Gaza.
Higgins was first elected president in 2011 and re-elected in 2018. His term is due to expire next year. The Irish presidency is a largely ceremonial role with limited constitutional powers.
