Wonderry Plus subscribers can binge full seasons of the Spy Who early and add free on Apple Podcasts or the Wondry app. In 1993, Sligo, the Republic of Ireland.

In an unmarked car parked opposite a hotel, a man sits with a camera concealed beneath his jacket.

He's from Special Branch, the Irish Police Division tasked with counter-terrorism,

and today he's carrying out surveillance on a 60-something town councillor.

Joe O'Neill, what are you up to now?

O'Neill is a hardline Republican.

He's linked to a small paramilitary group known as the Continuity IRA.

It's 25 years since the conflict known as the Troubles began.

The fight is led by the provvisional IRA, which aims to get the British out of Northern

Ireland and reunite the province with the Republic in the South.

So far, more than 3,000 people have died and tens of thousands have been injured. But while the provisional IRA is the main force fighting British rule in Northern Ireland,

dissident Republican groups like the continuity IRA also pose a threat.

The surveillance officer shifts his position,

trying to get a clear shot of the man O'Neill is chatting with.

He's tall, maybe six foot seven, solid, broad-shouldered and thick set.

Noticable.

And who's this big fella?

The officer opens the window an inch, enough to catch snatches of conversation and a distinct

American accent. So, you're a yank. The officer takes a snapshot of the two men shaking hands,

smiling. Then the giant American turns and goes into the hotel.

O'Neill walks a few yards to where his old battered Mercedes has barked.

He stops and looks around.

...