Irish President Michael D Higgins is to remain in hospital over the weekend as a precautionary measure.

Mr Higgins, 82, was admitted to St James’s Hospital in Dublin on Thursday after feeling unwell.

A medical team attended the Aras an Uachtarain where no immediate concerns were identified.

Mr Higgins was taken to hospital where he underwent tests, and the initial results have been “positive”.

I expect he’ll be out in the next couple of days, and obviously we all wish him a very speedy recovery

It is understood that a discussion was held about discharging the president on Friday but a decision was made for him to remain in hospital over the weekend as a precaution.

A spokesman said on Friday that he is expected return to the Aras early next week.

“President Michael D Higgins has thanked the public for the outpouring of well wishes which he has received since his admission to St James’s Hospital yesterday evening and would like to express his deep appreciation to all those who have sent messages to him, as well as to the medical staff for their continuing care,” a statement said.

“Following tests which were carried out after his admission, the president will remain in hospital over the weekend in order to monitor his blood pressure.

“It is anticipated that the president will return to Aras an Uachtarain early next week.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he has been in touch with Mr Higgins to wish him well.

“I just passed on my best wishes. Obviously anything around his medical information is confidential.

“But I expect he’ll be out in the next couple of days and obviously we all wish him a very speedy recovery,” he told Virgin Media’s The Six O’Clock Show.