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Mr Higgins has just two weeks left at Áras an Uachtaráin before handing over to Catherine Connolly on November 11.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina cast their votes in the Presidential Election on Friday October 24, 2025. PA Photo. Pic Niall Carson/PA Wire
President Michael D Higgins speaking during his final afternoon tea event before he leaves office, at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin last Wednesday. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
President Michael D Higgins will remain in hospital and is in “good spirits” after starting antibiotic treatment for a localised infection, Áras an Uachtaráin has confirmed in an update.
A statement from his office said doctors have noticed a “significant improvement” in his condition since he was admitted to St James’s Hospital by arrangement yesterday to receive treatment for an infection.
“The President has commenced a course of antibiotics to treat the infection,” the Áras said.
“The President’s medical team have noted a significant improvement since the commencement of the antibiotics and, in line with their advice, the President has agreed to remain in hospital to continue the course of antibiotics.
“The President, who is in good spirits, remained in hospital overnight to receive antibiotics.”
It is understood there are no significant concerns about the infection.
Doctors will decide at a later date when the President is fit to be discharged and return home to the Phoenix Park.
The 84-year-old’s second and final term is due to end on November 10.
He has exactly two weeks left in Áras an Uachtaráin before Catherine Connolly is sworn in as country’s tenth president.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina cast their votes in the Presidential Election on Friday October 24, 2025. PA Photo. Pic Niall Carson/PA Wire
News in 90 Seconds – October 27th 2025
Mr Higgins has had a number of health issues in recent years but has continued to carry out his duties.
He spent several days in hospital last year after suffering a stroke.
President Michael D Higgins speaking during his final afternoon tea event before he leaves office, at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin last Wednesday. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Since then he has had some “balance problems” and occasionally used two sticks in public.
The stroke had affected his left side, including his hand and hip, and had exacerbated problems with his lower back.
“It had no affect on me cognitively. I spent a week in hospital and I didn’t cancel anything,” he said afterwards.
On Saturday night, Mr Higgins issued a statement congratulating his successor and offering the full support of his office as Ms Connolly prepares for her inauguration on November 11.
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.”
