Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Letter to Ian Gow MP (resignation)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: No.10 Downing Street
Source: No.10 Downing Street press release
Editorial comments: Ian Gow’s resignation was reported by BBC Radio News at midnight on 15 November 1985.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 368
Themes: Executive (appointments), Northern Ireland

[(1) Ian Gow to MT, 15 November 1985:]

My dear Prime Minister,

I was grateful for our talk yesterday, and of course I have thought carefully about all that you said.

However, I believe that the change of policy in Northern Ireland, including the involvement of a foreign power in a consultative role in the administration of the Province, will prolong, and will not diminish Ulster's agony.

I cannot support this change of policy; it follows that I cannot remain in your Government.

I send this letter with the deepest regret. Thank you for the privilege of having allowed me to try to be of some service to you at No. 10 in the last Parliament, and of serving as a Minister in this.

Thank you, too, for the unfailing kindness, thoughtfulness and consideration which you have shown to Jane GowJane and to me during six momentous years.

Apart from Ulster, I shall remain a staunch supporter of the Government, and of you personally as Prime Minister.

I resent and reject what Enoch PowellEnoch said about you in the House yesterday

Yours ever, Ian

[(2) Mt to Ian Gow, 15 November 1985:]

My dear Ian,

I was naturally sad to receive your letter. I well recognise the sense of honour which led you to write as you did. But as I indicated yesterday, I believe your decision rests on a mistaken view of our purpose and I am sorry indeed I have not been able to remove it from your mind.

You have been the most loyal of supporters and the kindest of friends. You were a marvellous Parliamentary Private Secretary, contributing so much to our work at No. 10 and in the House of Commons. As a Minister for Housing you made a notable contribution to housing policy. Already, in your short time at the Treasury, you have shown yourself a stalwart defender of the British interest in discussions in Brussels of the European Community Budget. We shall indeed miss you.

I am grateful for your message of support and for your disavowal of certain comments in the House of Commons yesterday.

Denis joins me in sending warmest regards both to Jane and to yourself.

Yours ever, Margaret