Ian Gow

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

Related Topics:
February 11 - 1937 - July 30 - 1990 - Conservative - MP - Eastbourne - Assassinated - 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.

Related Topics:
Margaret Thatcher - Nicholas Budgen - 1985 - Minister of State - HM Treasury - Anglo-Irish Agreement - 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.

Related Topics:
21st November - House of Commons

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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.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland peace process - 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".

Related Topics:
House of Commons - Liberal Democrat - Ann Widdecombe

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