You have to wonder what made outgoing young Tory chairman and wannabe MP Ben Howlett, who once publicly praised Gerry Adams as a “conviction politician”, think he stood a chance of becoming the member for Eastbourne. The seat was held by Ian Gow, Thatcher’s ally who was assassinated by the IRA in 1990. Unsurprisingly the local Conservative Association gave him short shrift at their selection meeting on Saturday. Better luck next time…