Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Article for Conservative Newsline (Tribute to Ian Gow)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Source: Conservative Newsline, September 1990
Editorial comments: Item listed by date of publication.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 217
Themes: Conservative Party (organization), Northern Ireland, Terrorism

IAN GOW

Ian Gow, MP for Eastbourne, from October 1974, was murdered by the IRA on July 30. He was 53.

This tribute by the Prime Minister encapsulated the feelings of all those who knew him.

“Ian Gow 's death is a grievous loss both to me personally and also to the Parliamentary life of this country and to his constituency.

“He was with me throughout my time as Leader of the Opposition and he was my first Parliamentary Secretary in No 10.

“He made an enormous contribution to everything that I have been able to do.

“His skills as a Parliamentarian were unique, as a powerful and witty speaker.

“He was much loved in all parts of the House.

“Ian was a true friend and colleague in all weathers, the first to offer comfort.

“He and Airey Neave were close friends, and like Airey he would be the first to say that the terrorists can never be allowed to triumph, no matter how barbarous their methods.

“His wife, Jane, always supported him wonderfully, and took a very active part in everything he did.

“She and his family are constantly in our thoughts in this time of their great sorrow.

“He was a lovely man.”