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Operation Chiffon: The Secret Story of MI5 and MI6 and the Road to Peace in Ireland
On the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Peter Taylor tells for the first time the gripping story of Operation Chiffon, the top-secret intelligence operation that helped bring peace to Ireland.
'A gripping exploration of how MI5 and MI6 worked for a ceasefire with the IRA – and how one meeting changed everything' Telegraph
'An extraordinary story . . . A true tale of espionage ' The Times
April 1998: the Good Friday Agreement is signed, ending decades of violence and bloodshed in Northern Ireland. The process of getting the IRA to end its so-called 'armed struggle' was always the prerequisite of the search for peace. It was Operation Chiffon that finally helped make it possible.
Operation Chiffon takes us inside the top-secret intelligence operation whose roots go back to the bloodiest years of the conflict in the early 1970s, involving officers from MI6 and, later in the 1990s, MI5. The remarkable story, which has remained hidden for forty years, is now revealed by legendary BBC journalist Peter Taylor with unique access to the officers involved. Drawing on exclusive interviews and Taylor's fifty years of covering the conflict, the book narrates in first-hand detail how those involved risked their careers – and their lives – to help secure the fragile peace that exists today.
Taylor vividly brings this covert operation to life and in the process chronicles the history of Sinn Féin, rising from obscurity in the early days of the Troubles to becoming the largest political party in Ireland today. It is a story fraught with uncertainty and danger that, as Brexit risks destabilising what was achieved in the Good Friday Agreement twenty-five years ago, is more important than ever to remember.
'A gripping exploration of how MI5 and MI6 worked for a ceasefire with the IRA – and how one meeting changed everything' Telegraph
'An extraordinary story . . . A true tale of espionage ' The Times
April 1998: the Good Friday Agreement is signed, ending decades of violence and bloodshed in Northern Ireland. The process of getting the IRA to end its so-called 'armed struggle' was always the prerequisite of the search for peace. It was Operation Chiffon that finally helped make it possible.
Operation Chiffon takes us inside the top-secret intelligence operation whose roots go back to the bloodiest years of the conflict in the early 1970s, involving officers from MI6 and, later in the 1990s, MI5. The remarkable story, which has remained hidden for forty years, is now revealed by legendary BBC journalist Peter Taylor with unique access to the officers involved. Drawing on exclusive interviews and Taylor's fifty years of covering the conflict, the book narrates in first-hand detail how those involved risked their careers – and their lives – to help secure the fragile peace that exists today.
Taylor vividly brings this covert operation to life and in the process chronicles the history of Sinn Féin, rising from obscurity in the early days of the Troubles to becoming the largest political party in Ireland today. It is a story fraught with uncertainty and danger that, as Brexit risks destabilising what was achieved in the Good Friday Agreement twenty-five years ago, is more important than ever to remember.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
55 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Peter Taylor
111 books84 followersPeter Matthew Hillsman Taylor was a U.S. author and writer. Considered to be one of the finest American short story writers, Taylor's fictional milieu is the urban South. His characters, usually middle or upper class people, often are living in a time of change and struggle to discover and define their roles in society.
Peter Taylor also wrote three novels, including A Summons to Memphis in 1986, for which he won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and In the Tennessee Country in 1994. His collection The Old Forest and Other Stories (1985) won the PEN/Faulkner Award. Taylor taught literature and writing at Kenyon and the University of Virginia.
Peter Taylor also wrote three novels, including A Summons to Memphis in 1986, for which he won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and In the Tennessee Country in 1994. His collection The Old Forest and Other Stories (1985) won the PEN/Faulkner Award. Taylor taught literature and writing at Kenyon and the University of Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2023
Fascinating account, well written too. I enjoyed Taylor reading his own book. Very worthwhile reading, even for those who have read numerous accounts. My only slight criticism is that sometimes the build up to meetings can be a bit drawn out (eg British agent needing to stop for fuel in rented car, unable to find start button losing valuable time etc). Some location photos would have been welcome too.
August 6, 2023
There is no better writer on the conflict than Peter Taylor. Like all his previous books Operation Chiffon is worth reading. 5 outta 5
July 11, 2024
This is an account of the long journey from unofficial official approaches to the IRA to the Good Friday agreement and beyond that even to Brexit. It is written by Peter Taylor, who is a BBC journalist with a long and distinguished career that includes covering Ireland and Northern Ireland for fifty years.
His insight and connections mean that we get to find out about initial contacts - through a back channel initially set up via a MI6 officer, Michael Oatley, through a Derry/Londonderry businessman Brendan Duddy. These contacts started in the 1970s and were picked up all the way through until the 1990s. Oatley's work was taken up by another intelligence officer, Robert. Both Oatley and Robert went beyond their pay grades on occasion - Robert in particular.
In the end it took nearly 30 years for those initial contacts to pay off as Northern Ireland went through periods of peace and war. In the end though you might argue that the IRA's policy of 'Armalite and Ballot Box' paid off. But Brexit has done damage to the Good Friday Agreement and 15 years of Conservative government hasn't helped.
There is still mostly peace though, which has to be applauded and I think it is inevitable that there will be a united Ireland at some point. It might be 20 years or 50 years, but it is coming. Plus this book serves as an instruction manual for other areas of conflict. That if you want peace you have to talk to your enemies, you have to convince them to come with you. As we look at Israel/Palestine you think that bombing isn't going to end this. What will end this is talking.
Taylor tells his story well. The narrative is backed up by quotes from interviews he carried out with most of the participants and he doesn't sugar coat anything or anyone. I think, for example, you get a decent portrait of Martin McGuinness - warts and all.
If there is any lesson to take from this book it is that, to steal one of the chapter titles which is itself stolen from W B Yeats: "Peace comes dropping slow."
His insight and connections mean that we get to find out about initial contacts - through a back channel initially set up via a MI6 officer, Michael Oatley, through a Derry/Londonderry businessman Brendan Duddy. These contacts started in the 1970s and were picked up all the way through until the 1990s. Oatley's work was taken up by another intelligence officer, Robert. Both Oatley and Robert went beyond their pay grades on occasion - Robert in particular.
In the end it took nearly 30 years for those initial contacts to pay off as Northern Ireland went through periods of peace and war. In the end though you might argue that the IRA's policy of 'Armalite and Ballot Box' paid off. But Brexit has done damage to the Good Friday Agreement and 15 years of Conservative government hasn't helped.
There is still mostly peace though, which has to be applauded and I think it is inevitable that there will be a united Ireland at some point. It might be 20 years or 50 years, but it is coming. Plus this book serves as an instruction manual for other areas of conflict. That if you want peace you have to talk to your enemies, you have to convince them to come with you. As we look at Israel/Palestine you think that bombing isn't going to end this. What will end this is talking.
Taylor tells his story well. The narrative is backed up by quotes from interviews he carried out with most of the participants and he doesn't sugar coat anything or anyone. I think, for example, you get a decent portrait of Martin McGuinness - warts and all.
If there is any lesson to take from this book it is that, to steal one of the chapter titles which is itself stolen from W B Yeats: "Peace comes dropping slow."
June 8, 2025
I'm dating myself by the following statement : the first-ever graffito that imprinted itself on my conscience was "Bobby Sands lives", on the walls of a university building (of course) of my home town. This must have been around 1981 or 1982. I had to ask my parents who this was, and why this was scribbled in English rather than our mother tongue. And this is how I became aware of the famous hunger strikers of the IRA, a different aspect of the IRA's Armed Struggle that mainly manifested itself as almost weekly news reports of bombs and ambushes in Northern Ireland (and, increasingly, in England).
It always seemed to me that the conflict was essentially unresolvable : some people want Northern Ireland to become part of Eire, and some people want it to remain part of Great Britain. Both parties are willing to kill (and die) for their ideal, and the notion of "innocent bystander" is soon shrugged off.
And yet... in 1998, after a couple of murderous decades, the Good Friday Agreements were eventually reached, and the violence was put to rest. How was this achieved? How were these sworn enemies persuaded to take a seat at the negotiating table? Some of this story, which is undoubtedly extremely complicated, is recounted in this book. The focus is on the role of MI5 and MI6 and some of their envoys to Northern Ireland, who used a "back channel" via a local businessman, Brendan Duddy" to get in touch with the leaders of the IRA and Sinn Fein and open discussions.
This is a story of "two steps forward, one step back". How do you reconcile the chicken and the egg, as in "first a cease-fire, then we will negotiate" with "first we negotiate, then there will be a cease-fire"? There are differences of opinion within the IRA, and within Her Majesty's Government as well. Maggie Thatcher, well, she was not called the Iron Lady for nothing. Tony Blair had a different approach.
The author, I realized, had been covering events in Northern Ireland for decades, and had met many of the public figures several times. In this book, which is more about undercover missions than about statecraft and diplomacy, he tracked down some of the people who had worked in the shadows and whose role had remained secret for decades.
I found it fascinating, and ultimately, encouraging. If these warring parties were capable of, eventually, meeting in the middle, perhaps there is hope for other parts of the world, as well.
It always seemed to me that the conflict was essentially unresolvable : some people want Northern Ireland to become part of Eire, and some people want it to remain part of Great Britain. Both parties are willing to kill (and die) for their ideal, and the notion of "innocent bystander" is soon shrugged off.
And yet... in 1998, after a couple of murderous decades, the Good Friday Agreements were eventually reached, and the violence was put to rest. How was this achieved? How were these sworn enemies persuaded to take a seat at the negotiating table? Some of this story, which is undoubtedly extremely complicated, is recounted in this book. The focus is on the role of MI5 and MI6 and some of their envoys to Northern Ireland, who used a "back channel" via a local businessman, Brendan Duddy" to get in touch with the leaders of the IRA and Sinn Fein and open discussions.
This is a story of "two steps forward, one step back". How do you reconcile the chicken and the egg, as in "first a cease-fire, then we will negotiate" with "first we negotiate, then there will be a cease-fire"? There are differences of opinion within the IRA, and within Her Majesty's Government as well. Maggie Thatcher, well, she was not called the Iron Lady for nothing. Tony Blair had a different approach.
The author, I realized, had been covering events in Northern Ireland for decades, and had met many of the public figures several times. In this book, which is more about undercover missions than about statecraft and diplomacy, he tracked down some of the people who had worked in the shadows and whose role had remained secret for decades.
I found it fascinating, and ultimately, encouraging. If these warring parties were capable of, eventually, meeting in the middle, perhaps there is hope for other parts of the world, as well.
February 25, 2024
I found this book fascinating. Having heard the author on a moderately republican podcast, I expected an anti-brit narrative but the portraits of MI5 and MI6 officers were balanced and fair. As nuanced as the situation itself.
It was easy to read as the chapters were short and the writing clear.
I did think that as a tribute to ‘Robert’, his story seemed more rushed than that of Michael Oatley.
The role of Brendan Duddy is fascinating and he deserves more recognition.
Help me out on a point though. There’s mention towards the end of Ian Paisley’s Damascene conversion following a heart attack in 2012 but this appears to post date his period as First Minister and co-chuckle brother (Tiocfaidh brother?) with Martin McGuiness.
Also towards the end Ian Paisley Jr is incorrectly referred to as Arlene Foster’s predecessor as First Minister.
It feels like there was a rush to finish that possibly slipped past the editor.
Nonetheless it’s a great book and I hope to read the earlier trilogy, ‘Loyalists’, ‘Provos’ and ‘Brits’
It was easy to read as the chapters were short and the writing clear.
I did think that as a tribute to ‘Robert’, his story seemed more rushed than that of Michael Oatley.
The role of Brendan Duddy is fascinating and he deserves more recognition.
Help me out on a point though. There’s mention towards the end of Ian Paisley’s Damascene conversion following a heart attack in 2012 but this appears to post date his period as First Minister and co-chuckle brother (Tiocfaidh brother?) with Martin McGuiness.
Also towards the end Ian Paisley Jr is incorrectly referred to as Arlene Foster’s predecessor as First Minister.
It feels like there was a rush to finish that possibly slipped past the editor.
Nonetheless it’s a great book and I hope to read the earlier trilogy, ‘Loyalists’, ‘Provos’ and ‘Brits’
July 1, 2025
This was a really insightful book about the behind the scenes actions of the IRA and the British Government. The inserts from Peter Taylor and his own experiences as a journalist, including accidentally walking in on an IRA meeting really brought the story to life for me. I felt he gave me a better understanding of the complexities of negotiations, as well as the exact motivations behind every action made by either party. It is also great that he gives credit to the unsung heroes of peace in Northern Ireland, Brendan Duddy, Michael Oatly, and Robert.
It was also a great book that challenged my own thoughts and started conversations with family and friends about their opinions about Northern Ireland.
Although it’s great the book has so much detail, that can sometimes make it a little boring. It has a few things that become very repetitive, for example he really emphasises how, despite Operation Chiffon failing, the Good Friday Agreement would not be possible without it. This idea is repeated SO much it does become a bit tedious.
It was also a great book that challenged my own thoughts and started conversations with family and friends about their opinions about Northern Ireland.
Although it’s great the book has so much detail, that can sometimes make it a little boring. It has a few things that become very repetitive, for example he really emphasises how, despite Operation Chiffon failing, the Good Friday Agreement would not be possible without it. This idea is repeated SO much it does become a bit tedious.
August 13, 2025
Hmmm! Interesting book , well told. The author is clearly knowledgeable on Northern Ireland and the peace process but his British bias comes across quite often in the book. I found him a bit grating. The other 'character' who I took a very strong dislike to was the MI5/MI6 spook 'Robert/Fred' who came across as thoroughly self-important and utterly charmless. It felt like the only reason 'Robert' got in touch with the author was so he could get some kudos for his role in the peace process. 'Old Spooks are a bore' was the telling comment of 'Robert's predecessor and Michael Oatley was spot on in this regard. Oatley and Brendan Duddy both have a good claim to have been included in the subsequent Nobel Peace Prize for their role in the process.
** Book tip - 'Making Sense of The Troubles' by David McKittrick is so far the best, clearest and least biased book I've read on The Troubles.
** Book tip - 'Making Sense of The Troubles' by David McKittrick is so far the best, clearest and least biased book I've read on The Troubles.
July 25, 2025
Taylor, an English journalist from the BBC, presents an unimpeachable argument that the British army really did conduct a War in Northern Ireland. His open-minded, impartial approach and exhaustive research convinced me that the IRA prisoners in Long Kesh should have had full POW status rather than that of mere criminals or "special categorisation". Even though the structure is occasionally a little confusing, his enthralling account closed a lot of gaps left by other books about the Troubles making it indispensable to understanding the history of that era.
August 2, 2024
Having just read the excellent ", Bandit Country" I jumped into this book keen to learn more about why and how the IRA finally put down there guns. This book provided an excellent insight into how peace was finally achieved through the eyes of British spy's working to end the conflict. The only downside to this book is it's rather boring and slow, you really need a deep interest in the topic to finish it.
August 8, 2025
riveting book
I approached this book as probably an English revisionist story of how the PIRA was so infiltrated and disorganised that it was really the British government talking to itself. I was pleasantly surprised to find a measured account of the “Troubles” and the efforts for peace against a background of violence. I honestly could not put the book down.
I approached this book as probably an English revisionist story of how the PIRA was so infiltrated and disorganised that it was really the British government talking to itself. I was pleasantly surprised to find a measured account of the “Troubles” and the efforts for peace against a background of violence. I honestly could not put the book down.
December 11, 2023
The background details of the long long struggle to bring peace to Northern Ireland.
Most of the book is very engaging but it does tend to drag out insignificant facts that lead nowhere.
If you are already familiar with the topic this book is a very good final chapter hopefully.
The hunger strikes at the Maze are tragic to read about.
Most of the book is very engaging but it does tend to drag out insignificant facts that lead nowhere.
If you are already familiar with the topic this book is a very good final chapter hopefully.
The hunger strikes at the Maze are tragic to read about.
October 29, 2024
From the perspective of the journalist who interviewed the men behind the secret talks. Very engaging..interesting and solid journalism.
January 5, 2025
This is a fascinating book: and no one is better plugged in to the intricacies and intrigue of Northern Ireland than Peter Taylor. Highly recommend
March 11, 2025
Insightful and informative on the lead up to the Good Friday agreement. Very moving in parts. Shows that as with many landmark events in history it is those unsung heroes that make things happen.
June 3, 2025
fascinating
July 10, 2025
yet another one I couldn’t get into — perhaps I missed something crucial in the introduction
March 8, 2025
The Troubles is a period in Irish history that I have long been passionate about - something that flourished when I took an Irish history course in the final year of my history degree. There is so much scholarship surrounding this turbulent period and having read 'Say Nothing' by Patrick Radden Keefe, 'Four Shots in the Night' by Henry Hemming and Rory Carroll's 'Killing Thatcher' each of those books highlighted different aspects of the conflict in various ways that complemented my own understanding of this conflict. Peter Taylor's 'Operation Chiffon' focuses on the peace process in Northern Ireland with the secret story of the MI5 and MI6 who were significant to the culmination of the Good Friday Agreement. Not to mention it brings to the forefront three figures who were instrumental to Operation Chiffon: namely Frank Steele, Michael Oatley, Robert and Brendan Duddy. I was aware of the Good Friday Agreement beforehand but had almost no knowledge as to how it came about before reading Taylor's book.
Taylor does a superb job talking about the development of the peace process, the earlier ceasefires that tried to stop the violence but ultimately fell apart to the eventual talks between British Government officials, Northern Ireland political party members and Sinn Fein figures like Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams. He interweaves the events that occur throughout the Troubles amidst the backdrop of these 'back channel negotiations' as these secret talks were not public knowledge to the world at large or to Downing Street until much later. I found that 'Operation Chiffon' was an informative book and I learnt a lot from this particular area of the latter end of the Troubles. At times, I did feel that Taylor repeated himself in certain places throughout the book and I found it incredibly slow in the first 100 pages which probably is the reason why it took me a month to finish it. Overall, it was a book that I found to be extremely worthy of reading especially since I've gained much more knowledge that I did not before. Four stars!
Taylor does a superb job talking about the development of the peace process, the earlier ceasefires that tried to stop the violence but ultimately fell apart to the eventual talks between British Government officials, Northern Ireland political party members and Sinn Fein figures like Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams. He interweaves the events that occur throughout the Troubles amidst the backdrop of these 'back channel negotiations' as these secret talks were not public knowledge to the world at large or to Downing Street until much later. I found that 'Operation Chiffon' was an informative book and I learnt a lot from this particular area of the latter end of the Troubles. At times, I did feel that Taylor repeated himself in certain places throughout the book and I found it incredibly slow in the first 100 pages which probably is the reason why it took me a month to finish it. Overall, it was a book that I found to be extremely worthy of reading especially since I've gained much more knowledge that I did not before. Four stars!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews