Meaning: The quote refers to a significant event in the political history of Northern Ireland, specifically the peace process during the late 1990s. Martin McGuinness, a prominent Irish republican and Sinn Féin politician, made this statement in 2006, revealing that a car he and Gerry Adams, the then-leader of Sinn Féin, had used during the Mitchell review had been bugged by British military intelligence. This revelation sheds light on the complex and often clandestine dynamics that characterized the efforts to resolve the conflict in Northern Ireland.

During the Mitchell review, which took place in the mid-1990s, George Mitchell, a former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, was appointed as the chairman of the Northern Ireland peace talks. The review aimed to facilitate negotiations between the various parties involved in the conflict, including Sinn Féin, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and the British government, among others.

The fact that a car used by McGuinness and Adams was bugged underscores the intense surveillance and intelligence operations that were being conducted by the British military in Northern Ireland during this period. It also raises questions about the extent to which covert actions may have influenced or impacted the peace process.

The revelation also highlights the deep suspicions and lack of trust between the different parties involved in the conflict. The use of surveillance and bugging tactics by British military intelligence suggests a high level of suspicion and monitoring of the activities of Sinn Féin and its leaders. This atmosphere of mistrust and surveillance likely added further complexity to an already challenging peace process.

For McGuinness to publicly disclose this information in 2006 indicates a desire to shed light on the tactics employed by British military intelligence and to challenge the narrative that had been presented during the peace talks. It is also a reflection of the shifting dynamics in Northern Ireland, as the region moved towards a more stable and peaceful political landscape.

The impact of this revelation extends beyond the specific incident itself. It serves as a reminder of the deep-seated distrust and suspicion that characterized the relationships between the different parties involved in the Northern Ireland conflict. It also raises important questions about the role of intelligence gathering and covert operations in the context of peace negotiations and conflict resolution.

Furthermore, the disclosure of the bugging incident by Martin McGuinness underscores the challenges and complexities that are inherent in the pursuit of peace in deeply divided societies. It highlights the need for transparency, trust-building, and a commitment to open and honest dialogue in order to overcome the legacy of conflict and division.

In conclusion, Martin McGuinness's revelation about the bugging of a car used by himself and Gerry Adams during the Mitchell review provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the Northern Ireland peace process. It sheds light on the pervasive surveillance and intelligence operations conducted by British military intelligence and underscores the deep suspicions and lack of trust that characterized the relationships between the different parties involved. McGuinness's disclosure serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities inherent in pursuing peace in deeply divided societies and emphasizes the importance of transparency and trust-building in the pursuit of lasting peace.