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In 1996, law enforcement stormed a British home and detained Michael Gallagher on suspicion of IRA involvement. His girlfriend, an university lecturer focused in scientific research, was shocked and angry.

She found it impossible to accept that her romantic boyfriend – a former civil servant who helped people with addiction issues – could be engaged with paramilitary groups. He had even amazed her by solving a difficult puzzle in just record time.

Legal Accusations

The accused was indicted with plotting to help Irish republicans carry out explosive assaults at London's major airport in 1994. While the incidents caused no casualties, they produced significant chaos.

Attenborough gathered funds and public support to proclaim her partner's innocence. Despite her campaign, Gallagher was found guilty of involvement in explosive devices and received a 20-year jail term.

With the exception of a handful of individuals, I barely share with others,” she stated. “It wasn’t something I was happy about because he had lied to me.”

Revealing the Truth

Today, almost 30 years later, the partners continue to be in a relationship and have written together a book that reveals Michael was, truly, involved.

Gallagher had been an IRA fixer who helped multiple operations, such as the 1994 mortar launch. Gallagher kept secret the facts from Attenborough and only admitted subsequent to his sentencing, leaving Attenborough devastated.

Post-Release

After Gallagher's liberation under the provisions of the Northern Ireland settlement, the pair relocated to the Irish countryside and started a digital company, which they continue to run.

The publication, named Unbroken: Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love, switches narratives between the two and delays the revelation of his involvement until following his conviction.

I believe Michael isn’t a bad person, he is a truly decent individual,” Attenborough stated. “He just failed to prioritize me, and it is unclear if I view it as disloyalty. He had no malicious intent.”

Background and Relationship

They first encountered each other in 1985 through organizations that aided UK mining strikers and campaigned against racial segregation.

She, from the West Midlands, held a advanced degree in academic research. Gallagher, of Scottish origin, was an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic.

He had ancestral ties and performed errands for republican groups, organizing accommodation, travel and documents for activists in Britain.

Uncovering the Lies

He hid his actions from his partner, who favored Irish unification but disapproved of violent tactics.

“I’d made a vow to the IRA and a pledge to Mary and I believed I could keep it hidden – it was possible to handle each,” he said.

Law enforcement recognized Gallagher as a suspect who had been to a building with remnants of explosives. They watched his movements and bugged the apartment for nearly 24 months, concluding in the surprise arrest at their Earl’s Court residence on October 28, 1996.

Aftermath and Reflection

For over a year – throughout her prison visits and the trial in the late 1990s – Gallagher maintained his truth.

It was impossible share with her because if I had revealed it at that time, she would have been obliged to tell others: ‘Don’t bother arranging bail for Michael because he’s guilty,’” Gallagher stated. “It was really an difficult time.”

The hope of escaping conviction maintained his false story until the jury decided against him. Soon afterward, when she visited to mention plans for an appeal, he confided his involvement.

Initially, I could not decide if to believe him,” Attenborough remembered. “I thought, well, which version of the facts was correct?”

Distraught, she thought about leaving the relationship, but in subsequent visits she accepted his regrets and rationalised his hidden involvement.

Clearly I was opposed with these actions with the IRA. Yet, it was not a leading position that he performed.”

Last Disclosures

During the creation of their book, he disclosed another past deception to his Attenborough: when he speedily completed the word game in the publication of the Guardian, he had earlier completed it in another edition.