Dublin: Irish President Michael D. Higgins has returned to his official residence after spending two nights in hospital with an infection. Higgins, 84, was admitted to St James's Hospital in Dublin on Sunday afternoon for an examination and was put on a course of antibiotics.
According to Ghana News Agency, his medical team reported a 'significant improvement' since Higgins began the medication and noted that he was in 'good spirits.' A spokesman for the president confirmed on Tuesday that Higgins had returned to his official residence, Aras an Uachtarain, in Dublin.
In a statement, President Higgins expressed his gratitude to the medical staff who treated him and to members of the public who sent their best wishes during his brief hospital stay. Higgins' second and final term as president is set to conclude at midnight on November 10.
On Friday, Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent candidate, was elected as his successor and will officially take office at an inauguration ceremony on November 11. Higgins was previously admitted to hospital last February after experiencing a mild stroke, which temporarily affected his ability to attend sports events.
The stroke impacted his left side, including his hand and hip, and worsened issues with his lower back. At the Ploughing Championships last year, he mentioned needing two walking sticks due to balance problems, attributing it to heavy arthritis, which has impacted his mobility.
