Operation Chiffon

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On the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Peter Taylor reveals the gripping story of Operation Chiffon, a top-secret intelligence initiative that played a crucial role in bringing peace to Ireland. This operation was essential in persuading the IRA to end its armed struggle, paving the way for the ceasefire that culminated in the agreement signed in April 1998. Operation Chiffon’s roots trace back to the tumultuous early 1970s, involving MI6 and later MI5 operatives. Taylor, a legendary BBC journalist with fifty years of experience covering the conflict, provides unique insights through exclusive interviews with those who participated in this covert operation. He details the risks these individuals took—both to their careers and their lives—in pursuit of a fragile peace. The narrative not only illuminates the intricacies of the intelligence efforts but also chronicles the evolution of Sinn Féin, which transformed from a marginal group during the Troubles to the largest political party in Ireland today. As Brexit poses new challenges to the stability achieved by the Good Friday Agreement, this story of espionage and determination remains vitally relevant and serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in securing peace.