From Mr Martin Collett
Sir, - I was disappointed with the obituary of Lady Thatcher
by Dr Edward Norman (Gazette, 12 April).
In many ways, I believe he missed much that enabled her to dominate
the political scene of the 1980s, and bring this country back from
the brink of economic decline and in- dustrial chaos.
He places particular emphasis on her "small-town respectability"
and "provincial values", based on the ideals of her father,
"Alderman Roberts". It was that very background which gave her the
strength to be independent of the political establishment she later
led; likewise, her Methodism. She began and remained an outsider,
and her Governments were the better for it.
She was a patriot rather than a "little Englander": this was
someone who ensured freedom for the Falk- lands; brought democracy
to the trade unions; and played a part in the collapse of the
Soviet tyranny.
No one driven by their prejudices alone could have won three
General Elections, and, even, after leaving power 23 years ago be
arousing such a level of interest - and, it has to be said,
controversy, producing tributes from such a wide diversity of indi-
viduals as a political opponent, Lord Owen; the American statesman,
Henry Kissinger; and the Solidarity leader Lech Walesa.
I feel that a more balanced and generous obituary would have
been more fitting for a Christian newspaper.
MARTIN COLLETT
5 Musgraves
Dulvertons
Somerset TA22 9EB