Irish president Michael D Higgins spends second night in hospital

Irish president Michael D Higgins has spent a second night in hospital as he receives treatment for an infection.

Mr Higgins, 84, was admitted to St James's Hospital in Dublin on Sunday afternoon for an examination and put on a course of antibiotics.

A spokesman said on Monday that the president's medical team noted there was a "significant improvement" since he started on the antibiotics and he had agreed to stay in hospital in line with medical advice.

"The president, who is in good spirits, remained in hospital overnight to receive antibiotics," the spokesman said.

Mr Higgins' second and final term as president is set to finish at midnight on 10 November.

The Irish public on Friday voted to elect left-wing independent Catherine Connolly as his successor.

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The 68-year-old former barrister from Galway secured 63% of first preferences and will officially take up the office at an inauguration ceremony on 11 November.

Mr Higgins was admitted to hospital last February after suffering a mild form of stroke.

He said he had to cut down on appearances at sports events temporarily while he recovered.

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

At the Ploughing Championships last year he told reporters that he had to use two walking sticks as he sometimes has balance problems.

"I have from previous times very heavy arthritis - the culmination of all of this means I can't run quite like I did," he said.