Ian Gow

Ian Gow (February 11 1937–July 30 1990) was a Conservative MP for Eastbourne, who was assassinated by the Provisional IRA.

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Gow, a member of Margaret Thatcher's government, was persuaded by the speeches of his cousin Nicholas Budgen to resign in 1985 as Minister of State in HM Treasury over the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. He was a staunch Unionist.

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On 21st November 1989, Gow made history by becoming the first person to speak in the House of Commons with television cameras present. Gow's speech was packed with his notorious dry humour and was well received by the chamber and television viewers alike.

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On July 30 1990, the Provisional IRA left a bomb under the driver's seat of his car; at 08:39 the bomb went off, leaving Gow fatally wounded.

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Despite this major set-back to the Northern Ireland peace process, politicians on both sides remained determined to find a peaceful solution to the Troubles.

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When his seat in the House of Commons was succeeded by a Liberal Democrat, Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe sent a message to voters saying that the IRA would be "toasting their success".

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February 11: February 11 is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 323 days remaining, 324 in leap years....

1937: 1937 was a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar)....

July 30: July 30 is the 211th day (212th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 154 days remaining....

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