Ex-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who died Monday at the age of 87, was known for calling a spade a spade.
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Thatcher, nicknamed the “Iron Lady,” was and remains a polarizing figure in British and global politics for her uncompromisingly conservative policies.
As the following quotes show, Thatcher spoke her mind and seemed unconcerned about who she might offend, even her own husband.
“Defeat? I do not recognize the meaning of the word.” – Thatcher on being told in 1982that involving Britain in the Falklands conflict could result in defeat.
« I don’t mind how much my ministers talk, as long as they do what I say. » – Thatcher in 1980, a year after becoming Britain’s first female prime minister.
“My policies are based not on some economics theory, but 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.” – Thatcher in an interview in September 1981.
« Pennies don’t fall from heaven, they have to be earned here on earth. »– Thatcher in a speechat the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in November 1979.
« To those waiting with bated breath for that favorite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say. You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning. » – Thatcher during the Conservative party conference in October 1980. She was responding to expectations that there would be an about-turn on tough economic policies.
« We have become a grandmother. » – Thatcher’s statement to the media on the birth of her first grandchild in 1989.
“Nobody would remember the Good Samaritan if he had only good intentions. He had money as well. » – Thatcher’s response during an interview in 1980 about whether her savage spending cuts would lead to greater inequality in Britain.
« Home is where you come to when you’ve got nothing better to do. » – Thatcher’s remark in May 1991, six months after leaving office.
This article originally was published in Global Post.