The Secret Peacemaker

[An Fear Rua]

Fireside talks 'led to ceasefire' 

A man who passed secret messages between the government and the IRA for 20 years has given his first television interview.
Brendan Duddy's involvement in the peace process brought him into contact with MI5, MI6 and senior Republicans.

He has never spoken extensively about his role before, but in a documentary for BBC2, journalist Peter Taylor has persuaded him to do so.

It emerged that crucial talks took place in Brendan Duddy's home.

Mr Duddy told the BBC: "The notion that big things happened in the Oval Office in Washington or in the Grand Hall of the Kremlin... actually it doesn't happen that way.

"It happens less formally and simply."


Peter Taylor said the Derry man's role was "absolutely critical".


"He brought the IRA and the British government together for talks that ultimately led to the ceasefire of 1994," said Taylor.

"Without that ceasefire there would have been no Good Friday Agreement and no peace today.


"What is astonishing is that these talks took place in Brendan Duddy's house. It is really the story of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances."

Peter Taylor said those involved used to clean out the fire and go and make tea.



"It is a million miles away from the kind of circumstances you expect these historic events to take place in," he said.

Peter Taylor said Mr Duddy was prepared to take risks as he was "driven by the desire to end the conflict".

"He couldn't stand violence, he abhors violence.


"As far back as 1972, he began talking to the IRA to remove weapons from the Bogside on Bloody Sunday. So, he developed these abilities to try and bring peace over a long period of 20 years.

"In the process, because he was dealing on the one hand with the British, on the other hand with the IRA, he did put his life on the line."

Peter Taylor's programme, The Secret Peacemaker, will be broadcast on BBC2 on 26 March.  


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7296580.stm

[Square Ball]

wonder would he mediate between the Mods and Hardstation and Drici

[An Fear Rua]

more so , will he give any indication as to why the ceasefire occured, threat or promise?

[Square Ball]

Wonder will there be any major revelations about who attended the talks, was anyone given special leave from prison to attend these?

[An Fear Rua]

Im "expecting" from this show seeing as its Peter Taylor, you will know how revelaing it will be based on how much of it leaks to the press in the next few days..