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President Michael D Higgins returned to the Áras today and is back to work after spending two nights in hospital. The 84-year-old was admitted to St James’ Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, where he received a course of antibiotics to treat a localised infection. His medical team said on Monday there had been a "significant improvement" since Mr Higgins began the medication and he was in "good spirits". A spokesman for the president confirmed yesterday afternoon that Mr Higgins had returned to his official residence Áras an Uachtárain. In a statement, he said: "President Higgins would like to express his thanks to the medical staff who treated him, and to all those members of the public who sent their best wishes to him over the course of his brief stay in hospital." Mr Higgins even returned to his duties, as she signed the the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill into law. This comes as President Higgins and his team is preparing to leave Áras an Uachtaráin after Catherine Connolly was elected last Saturday. He will remain there until his final day in office on November 10. The following day, Ms Connolly will be inaugurated. President Higgins has held the role for 14 years, and has suffered from a number of health issues over the years. Last year, he was admitted to hospital after suffering from a stroke. He was also monitored in St James’ Hospital as a precaution to monitor his blood pressure. At the time, the President thanked the public for the "outpouring" of support he received and expressed his "deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care." President Higgins congratulated president-elect Ms Connolly following her election victory. Ms Connolly received over 63% of the first preference votes and was elected on the first count. President Higgins added that Ms Connolly will have the full support of his office as she prepares for her inauguration. In a statement, he said: "I have this evening spoken by telephone with the president-elect, Catherine Connolly. I congratulated the president-elect on her election as the tenth President of Ireland on what is a momentous day for her and her family. "The president-elect will have the full support of this office as she prepares for her inauguration next month.” Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
