THE results of medical tests conducted on the former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey, have been described as "excellent" and he is expected to be discharged from hospital within the next few days.
Mr Haughey is being treated in the intensive care unit of Dublin's Mater Private Hospital after undergoing cardiac tests.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance on Monday to undergo what his doctor, Mr Paddy Kelly, described as "cardiac investigative procedures".
In a brief statement yesterday, Dr Kelly said the results of the tests had been "excellent".
Sources close to the former Taoiseach also said they hoped he would be allowed to return home tomorrow.
A spokeswoman who was dealing with calls to Mr Haughey's home in Kinsealy said his stay in intensive care was purely precautionary.
"He's fine and he's in very good spirits," she said. He is still expected to attend the launch of the new Honda Legend car at his estate next Monday.
Mr Haughey retired from political life in 1992. Although he has played no part in politics since, he has remained physically active, especially through his hobbies of horse-riding and sailing.
While Taoiseach, he was hospitalised twice in 1988, first to undergo treatment for kidney stones and later for a respiratory infection which was causing him bronchial spasms.
In 1968 he was seriously injured in a car accident, which fractured most of his ribs and a kneecap, and he also suffered an embolism.