October 10, 2000. Copyright, 2000, Graphic News. All rights reserved

IRON LADY STILL A FORCEFUL PRESENCE
By Mark Samms

LONDON, October 10, Graphic News:  DESPITE the unexpectedly bright autumn weather at the beginning of October, a giant shadow fell across the British seaside resort of Bournemouth, where the Conservative Party had gathered for its annual conference.
It was formed, as usual, by the philosophy and unspoken presence of one of the most extraordinary world figures of the 20th century -- Margaret Thatcher.
It is testimony to the impact she has had on the British way of life that ten years after she was prodded reluctantly from power, the mere mention of her  name still evokes loathing and adoration in equal measure.
She is the only British prime minister to have had a brand of politics named after her, and there are plenty within the party who say that by swerving to the right and embracing many of the tenets of Thatcherism, present leader William Hague has, against all the odds, managed to guide the Conservatives to within voting distance of power.
Meanwhile, in her 75th year, the Iron Lady herself prowls in the background, touring the world lecturing and touring the constituencies hectoring. Her espousal of capitalism, the free market and the diminution of state control is as indomitable as ever.
Those who believed that the lady, in her dotage, would be for turning, have had to think again.
/ENDS