The British government has again refused to establish a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, the 39-year-old defence lawyer shot dead in front of his family in Belfast in 1989 by paramilitaries acting on the direction of the British Armed Forces.

A note to update you on the Republican Bookshop. It carries hundreds of items of all kinds related to Ireland and the cause of freedom which make excellent gifts at this time of year, including several new items recently added.

The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins has led Irish congratulations to Joe Biden after his success in becoming the US President.