Irish President Michael D. Higgins was admitted to St. James’s Hospital in Dublin on Sunday for treatment of a localized infection. According to a spokesperson, the President received antibiotics and is in “good spirits,” with plans to return to Áras an Uachtaráin, his official residence and workplace. Higgins will continue to serve in his role until the inauguration of his successor, Catherine Connolly, on November 11 at Dublin Castle. Connolly, an independent member of the Irish parliament, made history by securing a record-breaking 63% of first-preference votes in the presidential election. However, the unusually high number of spoiled votes—213,738—has drawn attention and calls for electoral reform. Connolly’s victory over Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys was officially confirmed on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ireland’s political landscape.