Michael D Higgins Returns to Áras an Uachtaráin After Hospital Stay

Irish President Michael D Higgins has returned to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official presidential residence, after a brief hospital stay to address a localized infection. The president was admitted to St James’s Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, where he received medical care that included a course of antibiotics. Following the treatment, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the president is now in good health.

In a statement, President Higgins expressed his gratitude to the medical staff who provided care during his hospital visit. He also thanked the public for their well-wishes, which he received during his recovery. The president’s return comes as he continues in his role until the inauguration of his successor, Catherine Connolly, scheduled for 11 November 2023 at Dublin Castle.

Connolly, an independent TD (member of the Irish Parliament), won a record-breaking 914,143 first preference votes, translating to 63% of the total, during the recent presidential election. Her victory marks a significant achievement in the history of Irish presidential elections. Despite this success, concerns have been raised regarding the unprecedented number of 213,738 spoiled votes, which politicians have stated requires attention.

On the evening of her election victory, Connolly was officially declared the 10th president of the Republic of Ireland, having triumphed over Fine Gael‘s Heather Humphreys. As the nation prepares for this transition, Higgins’s health and ongoing public engagement remain under the spotlight, reflecting the importance of the presidential role in Ireland.