Summary
Overview
This episode chronicles the final phases of FBI and MI5 spy David Rupert's infiltration of the Real IRA and its leader Michael McKevitt. After a critical error nearly exposes him, Rupert participates in elaborate sting operations including a fake Iraqi weapons deal. Despite his reluctance, he ultimately agrees to testify in court, leading to McKevitt's historic conviction as the first person prosecuted under Ireland's anti-terrorism laws—though the personal cost includes permanent hiding for Rupert and his wife.
The Disc Mix-Up: A Near-Fatal Error
After meeting with Real IRA assassin Smith in Worcester, Massachusetts, David Rupert discovers he accidentally gave Smith the wrong disc—one containing his intelligence notes for MI5 instead of rocket launcher software. This potentially fatal mistake sends Rupert into panic mode as he frantically arranges another meeting to swap the discs. Fortunately, Smith's distraction with his new girlfriend means he never examined the disc, allowing Rupert to narrowly avoid exposure and certain death.
- Rupert realizes he gave Smith the disc with MI5 intelligence notes instead of rocket launcher software
- His wife Maureen tries to reassure him there's nothing definitively incriminating on the disc
- Rupert arranges a casual meeting to swap discs, claiming his wife distracted him while packing
- Smith agrees to the exchange without suspicion, too focused on visiting his girlfriend
" Of all the real IRA members he has met, Smith is the only one he feels killing would come to as naturally as drinking a beer. In fact, Rupert doubts he'd even put his beer down while he was putting a bullet in your forehead. "
The Real IRA's Escalating Campaign
The Real IRA dramatically escalates its terrorism campaign with a brazen rocket launcher attack on MI6 headquarters in London, followed by bombings across Northern Ireland. These attacks demonstrate the group's growing capabilities and threat to the peace process. Meanwhile, McKevitt reveals to Rupert his ambition to secure state sponsorship from dictators like Saddam Hussein, providing MI5 with an opportunity for deeper infiltration.
- Real IRA operatives fire a grenade launcher at MI6 headquarters in London from Boxall Gardens
- The group also bombs Hammersmith Bridge, a Dublin-Belfast railway line, and a police station
- McKevitt tells Rupert he wants state sponsorship similar to Libya's Gaddafi in the 1980s
- McKevitt specifically mentions seeking support from Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein
" All we need, Dave, is a state sponsor to help us take things to the next level. What do you mean? In the 1980s, Gaddafi and Libya sponsored us. They gave us money, weapons, training. That's what we need. Maybe someone like Saddam Hussein. "
📚 6 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future The Spy Who episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new The Spy Who episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.