PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins will remain in hospital over the weekend to monitor his blood pressure. 

The President, aged 82, spent the night in St James’s Hospital last night after being admitted for precautionary tests after feeling unwell yesterday evening. 

The decision to admit him was taken on the back of advice from professionals who saw him at his home in the Phoenix Park.

The President has thanked the public for the “outpouring” of well wishes he has received.

In a statement this evening, a spokesperson said the President would like to express “his deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care”. 

“Following tests which were carried out after his admission, the President will remain in hospital over the weekend in order to monitor his blood-pressure,” the spokesperson said.

“It is anticipated that the President will return to Áras an Uachtaráin early next week.”

Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed last night that the President was “initially assessed” at the Áras “where no immediate concerns were identified but a decision was made to proceed to hospital in order to undergo tests, the initial results of which have been positive”.

The statement said he was in “excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received”.

President Higgins had been due to host an afternoon tea at the Áras today. His wife Sabina Higgins hosted the reception. 

The President was also due to attend the FAI Women’s President’s Cup in Athlone tomorrow. 

Last July, the President underwent a planned surgery to relieve back pain.