Margaret Thatcher; Rest in Peace

Baroness Thatcher, the first (and only) woman to be prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the Iron Lady of British politics, reformer, leader, warrior or (as she was Christened in Scotland) Maggie has died The greatest, and longest serving, post-war British Prime Minister died of a stroke having suffered years of failing health.

She will be greatly missed.

Margaret Thatcher rose to power in 1979 when Britain was in dire straits. During her time in office she bravely fought Britain's enemies both overseas and within the borders. She restored Britain's place on the world stage while implementing changes at home that restored the self-respect of a nation and lifted it from it's crippled position. However, in my opinion, one of her greatest achievements was to be a politician who worked on belief and conviction. Throughout her time in office Thatcher was not afraid to make difficult choices. Often she went for the option she believed to be right rather than that which was thought to be popular. History shows she was regularly correct to have done so although there was no way of knowing so at the time.

This achievement should be particularly admired these days where many MPs on both sides of the floor seem to be scrambling and scrabbling for the centre ground not because it reflects their beliefs but because they think it's what the public wants to hear. This lack of courage in their convictions only serves to stifle growth and prosperity in Great Britain. Yet they need only look to recent history for guidance.

This aspect of her leadership has been almost universally acclaimed in the tributes that have thus far been paid to her and rightly so. Colleagues and critics alike agree that she did not take big decisions lightly nor did she have casual disregard for those affected by them. This humanity is often missed in coverage of her. When this is done consciously it only serves to show how infantile individuals are in relation to her.

Lady Thatcher, rest in peace.

JR