LAST UPDATE | 27 Oct

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS will remain in St James’s Hospital for treatment of a localised infection after being kept overnight to receive antibiotics.

Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that the President travelled the hospital by arrangement yesterday to have the infection examined.

He has started a course of antibiotics and has agreed to follow medical advice and remain in hospital to continue the medication.

Áras an Uachtaráin said that the President’s medical team have noted a “significant improvement” since he began treatment.

Higgins is reportedly in good spirits.

The 84-year-old will hold his title until 11 November when President-elect Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated following her historic election win.

Higgins congratulated Connolly following her win.

In a statement he said:  “The President-elect will have the full support of this office as she prepares for her Inauguration next month.”

On Wednesday he held his final afternoon tea event in the Áras before he leaves office.

In February, last year when he was 82, he spent over a week in hospital for what was later revealed to be a mild stroke.

He cut back on public appearances for a number of weeks and was later seen in public using two walking sticks.