This week, we hear the incredible story of the man who spent 10 years undercover as an M15 agent in Derry within Sinn Féin reporting back to the British Government. Willie Carlin now lives in a secret location in the UK and under a new identity.  He met with Jarlath to tell him about working in one of the most dangerous positions in The Troubles, having his cover blown and how he still lives in fear of an IRA hit.

Willie tells the shocking events of the night his cover was blown (4:00), why he was told he would be killed if he went to his daughter's funeral (49:00) while also explaining the role he played in the early stages of the Peace Process (47:00).

From being addicted to spying (27:00) to how he was expected to infiltrate the Republican movement with very little guidance (20:00), the psychological impact of living a double-life (8:00), why he still fears for his own life (50:00) and much more, this is a remarkable and rare conversation with a man who has truly lived life on the edge.

To hear Willie's claims that he witnessed what he understands to be Martin McGuinness sanctioning a shooting of an IRA member, his thoughts on the possibility of a United Ireland after Brexit and much more, become an Irishman Abroad patron at www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.

Music this week is provided by Niall McNamee. Get tickets to Niall's upcoming show on February 11th at The Dublin Castle, Camden Town, London here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/niall

You can purchase Willie's book 'Thatcher's Spy' here https://irishacademicpress.ie/product/thatchers-spy-my-life-as-an-mi5-agent-inside-sinn-fein/

You can also gain access to the entire Irishman Abroad archive of episodes through our iPhone and Android Apps. Download the Irishman Abroad Android or iPhone apps for free using the links below.

https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/an-irishman-abroad-by-jarlath-regan/id1101165812

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=irishman.jarlath.com.anirishmanabroad&hl=en_IE

An Irishman Abroad is brought to you by Currency Fair. Currency Fair is the official partner of the podcast. To get great exchange rates and to avoid ridiculous bank and broker charges when transferring money to anywhere in the world go to currencyfair.com.

For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on [email protected].

Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited unless direct credit and/or hyperlink to the Irishman Abroad podcast is clearly and accurately provided.