Derry man tells of 'secret' talks between IRA and Britain 28/03/2008 - 10:56:15
A man who once ran a fish-and-chip shop in Derry has spoken for the first time about his secret role as a link between the IRA and the British government.
Brendan Duddy has told the BBC how he was involved in undercover links between republicans and London through two senior intelligence agents for more than 20 years.
Secret talks took place in his home in Derry between members of the British security agencies and the leadership of the IRA.
In 1975, the talks were successful in brokering a ceasefire which subsequently broke down.
A freeze set in during Margaret Thatcher's time in Downing Street, but when John Major took over as British prime minister, the link was re-established and eventually led to the 1994 IRA ceasefire.
Mr Duddy says his intention had always been to end the futility of violence and he takes great satisfaction in seeing Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley sharing power.
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