04 May,2016 02:41 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
On former British PM Margaret Thatcher’s birth anniversary today, we take a look at some interesting facts about her life and times, and also relive her inspirational quotes
Margaret Thatcher waves from the steps of No 10 Downing Street with Denis after becoming Britain's first female Prime Minister in 1979
On former British PM Margaret Thatcher's birth anniversary today, we take a look at some interesting facts about her life and times, and also relive her inspirational quotes.
On May 4, 1979, Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady known for her no-nonsense attitude, was sworn in as Britain's first woman prime minister. A grocer's daughter with a no-nonsense style of leadership, Thatcher was elected to Parliament at age 34 and climbed the Conservative Party ladder.
She became its leader at age 50 and swept into 10 Downing Street four years later. Behind the bouffant hair, trademark handbag and schoolm'am voice was an uncompromising Conservative who regularly cut her male colleagues with a sharp tongue and even sharper political brain.
Apart from shattering gender barriers to win elections in 1979 as Britain's first female prime minister, she engineered Britain's victory over Argentina in the 1982 war over the Falkland Islands, and become a critical ally and ideological soul mate of President Ronald Reagan in the West's Cold War triumph over Soviet communism in Europe.
Thatcher in quotes
The Iron Lady known for her no-nonsense attitude was famous for her remarks. These are a few that are forever etched in history:
If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman -- Speech to National Union of Townswomen's Guilds Conference on May 20, 1965
You turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning -- Speech to Conservative Party Conference on October 10, 1980
I am extraordinarily patient - provided I get my own way in the end -- European Council meeting on March 31, 1982
You know, if you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything, wouldn't you, at any time? And you would achieve nothing! -- On her 10th anniversary as Prime Minister on May 3, 1989