Irish President Higgins in hospital following tests

Michael D Higgins became president in 2011 and was re-elected in November 2018

Irish President Michael D Higgins has been taken to hospital after feeling unwell, his office said.

The 82-year-old was assessed by doctors at his home, the presidential residence, Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday evening.

He was then taken to hospital for further tests as a precaution, Irish national broadcaster RTÉ reported.

Mr Higgins became president in 2011 and was re-elected in November 2018.

A statement from the president's office said Mr Higgins was initially assessed at the presidential residence, 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".

They added that the president will "remain in hospital overnight, is in excellent spirits and has thanked the medical staff for the care he has received".

On Wednesday night, Mr Higgins presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival.