Episode
Agents, Secrets, and Moral Compromises
- Published
- Jun 20, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 160
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Summary
Veteran broadcaster John Ware’s new book, “Neither Confirm Nor Deny,” exposes the shadowy world of British intelligence during the Northern Ireland Troubles, revealing how agents like Freddie Scappaticci and Brian Nelson were allegedly used in murders — and how the UK government still refuses to name them decades later. Ware’s recent testimony in a civil case against Gerry Adams reignited controversy, after he interpreted a 1983 off-the-record conversation with Danny Morrison as implying Adams’ IRA membership — a claim Morrison fiercely denies. Ware admits this breaks journalistic norms, upsetting colleagues and stirring ethical debates. The book traces the roots of this moral compromise to a 1981 MI5 decision to prioritize intelligence over justice, leading to hundreds of agents and tragic consequences — like the death of Michael Kearney, a young IRA member killed by his own side after police interrogation. Ware wrestles with the enduring legacy of these wartime choices, asking whether the intelligence gained justified the moral cost — and whether pulling agents would have been the right call. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/fedef53c5e9fcac0