Whether one is on the left or right of the political centre the legacy of Margaret Thatcher will be narrated differently. For many Barbadians she will be remembered as the British prime minister – in partnership with US president Ronald Reagan – who had the ‘balls’ to attack communism and hasten its dismantlement. For others she rightly earned the nick name Iron Lady because of her economic policies which had embedded the dismemberment of the labour movement not to forget her successful strike against Argentina to win back the Falkland islands.
The extreme views which Thatcher often provoked from the public during her tenure remain a talking point and will definitely characterize her legacy. BU’s acid test of her effectiveness as a political persona maybe defined by her 11 consecutive years of rule; the longest consecutive tenure by any UK prime minister since 1832. It must be stated that infighting by the Labour Party during her tenure and the opportunity which the so called Falklands war presented obviously contributed to her success at the polls. Ironically it took a stab in the back by her political party to cause her demise.
What cannot be refuted is that Thatcher’s foreign policy made her a major player on the world stage. Equally her domestic policies for a myriad of reasons resonated with world citizens. Surely there is no politician who is loved by everyone however part of Thatcher’s legacy was built on a political philosophy where she was prepared to defend her positions to the death. Agree with her views or not her willingness to fearlessly defend the courage of her convictions provoked admiration in the BU household during her period of rule – there is the regret that many local politicians do not show a willingness to demonstrate a similar quality.
Thatcher’s position on how the UK should integrate in the EU should be flagged on her bio. It was a position which is analogous to what Barbados is currently confronted with Caricom. Pursue economic cooperation by all means but do not surrender our birthright in the process by selling of our indigenous institutions which are an embodiment of who and what we are as a people.
When the dust is settled on Thatcher’s legacy the cold reality must be factored. When Thatcher assumed the reins of government in 1979 the economy was marking time. Some may recall that the International Monetary Fund was in Whitehall. On yesterday’s talk show Tony Hoyos and Tony Best were critical of the fact that the labour movement has not recovered from its battle with Thatcher to this day. What they neglected to mention is that when Thatcher assumed office the UK economy was under the heavy influence of a strong union movement. The record shows that before Thatcher was elected UK had to suffer innumerable strikes which affected its economic performance. Thatcher obviously assessed the situation and history shows she concluded that her economic policies would have been defeated if she did not address the union issue. Whether you agreed she showed leadership by her decisive decision making.
Even in death her request not to stage a state funeral on her behalf because she feared it would provoke a divisive debate in parliament tells a story. The UK government it has been reported will settle for a ceremonial funeral on April 17, 2013.
May she rest in peace.
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