President Michael D. Higgins spends night in hospital

Mr Higgins was taken to St James' Hospital on Sunday

Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed the 84-year-old was taken to St James' Hospital on Sunday after being diagnosed with a localised infection.

He remained in the hospital overnight, where he received antibiotics.

His office told the Irish Independent in a statement: "The President travelled to St James Hospital yesterday to have a localised infection examined. The President, who is in good spirits, remained in the hospital overnight to receive antibiotics."

It is understood that the President is in good spirits and that there are no significant concerns regarding the infection, and he may be discharged as early as today.

President Michael D. Higgins has exactly two weeks left in Áras an Uachtaráin before Catherine Connolly will be sworn in as Ireland's tenth president.

Mr Higgins has experienced several health issues in recent years, however, he has always been able to carry out his duties.

Last year, he spent several days in the hospital after suffering a stroke, per The Irish Independent.

Since the stroke, the President has had some "balance problems", leading to him occasionally needing two sticks for support out in public.

The stroke had affected his left side, including his hand and hip, and had also exacerbated problems with his lower back.

"It had no effect on me cognitively. I spent a week in hospital and I didn't cancel anything," the President said afterwards.

On Saturday night, Mr Higgins congratulated his successor, offering the full support of his office as Ms Connolly prepares for her inauguration on November 11.

Mr Higgins 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."