THE former Taoiseach, Mr Charlie Haughey, has been admitted to hospital in Dublin.
Mr Haughey was transferred by ambulance to the Mater Private Hospital from his home at Kinsealy, Co Dublin, at about 12.30 p.m. yesterday. It is understood that he was taken to the coronary care unit and subsequently underwent medical tests.
A spokeswoman for Mrs Haughey said he was undergoing "minor tests" and was expected home in the next lewd days. "There is nothing to worry about," a source close to Mr Haughey added. He was described as being in "good form".
The former Taoiseach is due to launch the new Honda Legend car at his estate on Monday and there are no plans to cancel that event.
It is understood that Mr Haughey has enjoyed generally good health since retiring from politics in 1992.
Speaking in a recent RTE interview with Gay Byrne, he said that he rides out on horseback on Portmarnock beach every morning and he also sails regularly. He has maintained an active interest in his racehorse,
Flashing Steel, and also devotes much time to the upkeep of the Kinsealy estate.
Mr Haughey was treated in the Mater Private Hospital in October 1988 for a respiratory infection that was causing bronchial spasms. The condition developed a few days after he had undergone treatment for a recurrent kidney problem.
Mr Haughey was also hospitalised the previous July for treatment for kidney stones. Apart from his illnesses, Mr Haughey suffered serious injuries in a car accident outside Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, in September 1968. He fractured most of his ribs and his left kneecap and while in hospital suffered an embolism.
Born in Castlebar, Co Mayo, 71 years ago on September 16th last, he became a TD in 1957. Since his retirement, he has steadfastly refrained from participation in political, life.