Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, PC, FRS (born 13 October 1925) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.
She was the longest serving British Prime Minister in the 20th century, the longest since Gladstone, and had the longest continuous period in office since Lord Liverpool. She is also the only woman to be Prime Minister or elected leader of a major political party in the UK and, with Margaret Beckett, is one of only two women to hold any of the four great offices of state. Undoubtedly one of the most significant British politicians in recent political history, she is also one of the most divisive, being loved and loathed (Wikipedia, 2007).

This group is for all those who appreciate the 'Iron Lady' because:
1) Her policies were damn good.
2) She saved the UK from the perils of the 'Keynesian Consensus.'
3) She helped end the Cold War.
4) Unlike most contemporary politicians she has a BACKBONE.
5) All of the above.

A few great Maggie quotes:

'My job is to stop Britain going red.' (The Times, 1977)

'This country belongs to the courageous, not the timid.' (The Times, 1977)

'To those waiting with baited breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U Turn, I have only one thing to say. You turn if you want to. THE LADY's NOT FOR TURNING.' (1980)

'My politics are based...on things I and millions like me were brought up with. An honest day's work for an honest day's pay; live within your means; put by a nest egg for a rainy day; pay your bills on time; support the police.' (1981)

'No! No! No!' (Opposing proposals put forward by Jacques Delors, 1990)

'Being in power is like being a lady - if you have to tell people you are, you aren't.'

What others have said:

'She has been an outstanding Prime Minister for the United Kingdom and an outstanding friend to the United States.' (George Bush senior)

'The Iron Lady was a great lady. She deserves applause.' (Valery Giscard D'Estaing)

'It is quite clear that history will record that Margaret Thatcher was the greatest Prime Minister this country has had since Churchill.' (Nigel Lawson)

'A lady sent to us on wings from heaven.' (Rocco Forte)

'She was a tigress surrounded by hamsters.' (John Biffen)

'The greatest Briton since Winston Churchill.' (Charles Price) (read less)

Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, PC, FRS (born 13 October 1925) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.
She was the longest serving British Prime Minister in the 20th century, the longest since Gladstone, and had the longest continuous period in office since Lord Liverpool. She is also the only woman to be Prime Minister or elected leader of a major political party in the UK and, with Margaret Beckett, is one of only two women to hold any of the four great... (read more)