13 Apr 2013 7:51 PM:
I was a Tory councillor at the time of her coming and I was immensly proud to belong to her party.
I seem to recall that we used to have a ship building industry then. They were riveted ships. I think there were 5 men in each team. Then along came welded ships and the riveting team of 5 was replaced by a single welder. Luckily for the riveting teams the Unions insisted that welders must also be in a team of 5. Unluckily for the industry, the cost of the welded ships was unsustainable because of the unused and extra manpower, thus the industry died. Ship building moved overseas. The unions blamed anyone and everyone but themselves. I seem to remember something similar happening on the railways too, when an unused fireman and a rear coach brakeman had to be employed on new diesel trains, as well as the driver. Another disaster in the making.
I am definitely not anti Union. I honestly believe that they are a vital ingredient for a stable society. I also believe that there are some employers that are just as narrow minded, short sighted, beligerent, uncompromising and financially incompetant as some of the old Unions.
Neither did I support everything Maggie stood for, especially in later years. Nevertheless I still admired her and wish to hell we had some politicians with her guts and determination today.
Was I adversly affected by her reign, actually yes. I was heavily involved in the local tourist industry, which collapsed because she put more money into the pockets of most and they elected to holiday abroad in guaranteed sunshine, because they could now afford it. Our industry and my business was in tatters and I sought work in Europe, where I have been ever since.
I didn't blame Maggie for my demise, change and progress was inevitable and still is. Alas not always for the best for everyone.
If those misguided, selfish, ill educated trouble makers stayed in the comfortable homes provided by the state and seethed in silence we would not have to spend 10 million pounds on security for the funeral of Britain's first female Prime Minister.
Leo Leon (Holland)
Thread:
The Iron Lady - Did you love her or hate her?
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