SpyCast - Irish Garda Intelligence Chief” – with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn

This week on SpyCast, we're joined by Michael McElgunn, the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána’s Crime and Security Intelligence Service. The Garda is Ireland’s National Police and Security Service, founded following the Irish Civil War and the disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Michael and Andrew discuss all things Irish intelligence, from Northern Ireland relations to current national security threats.

This episode is part three of our five-part Spy Chiefs special series. If you haven’t yet, listen in to our episodes with former CIA Director David Petraeus and Former Director of Kenyan Intelligence Wilson Boinett. Stay tuned for more!

And…

An Garda Síochána translates to “Guardians of the Peace” in Irish Gaelic. Although Gaelic is one of Ireland’s official languages, only about 40% of the Irish population can speak the language well. This may sound low, but it comes after a long effort by the Irish government to uplift the endangered language. For an interesting look at the lingual history of Ireland, Erin recommends “Translations” by playwright Brian Freel. Michael McElgunn joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in the Republic of Ireland. Michael is the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána’s Crime and Security Intelligence Service.

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HOST - Andrew Hammond, Ph.D. is Historian & Curator at the International Spy Museum, home of the world's preeminent collection of intelligence-related artifacts. Previous chapters have included seven years in the RAF, Public Humanities at the 9/11 Museum in NYC, Fellowships here, there, and everywhere, and academia. He is author of the forthcoming book: "Struggles for Freedom": Afghanistan & US Foreign Policy Since 1979. He loves bialys.

[ericsarnoski]

Amazing how his picture has a resemblance to Bob Newhart. 😅

[fastpublish]

Intelligence on the island of Ireland ... that would be a good thing ...