Lady Thatcher's death is indeed a sad day. She turned our country round at a time it really was 'the sick man of Europe'. And not only did she breathe life into our country, but she offered hope to all those behind the Iron Curtain at the time. I met her personally twice, once at our London barracks and again on operations in Northern Ireland. On the first occasion, she'd just spoken to US President Ronald Reagan, who'd sought her advice on how to sort out his country's economy. Mrs T (as I've always known her) told us that she explained the basic rules of economics to the President, based on her parents' experience of running a corner shop! It was typical of this great and modest lady that she could talk to people from all walks of life in a way that enlightened and educated, yet without putting them down. I also recall her vividly during the Falklands War when her courage and determination to see it through acted as a wonderful tonic to many of my friends serving down there. She was a gut instinct politician. Spin and focus groups were not for her. And that's why, despite being controversial for many, Mrs T was respected the world over. My condolences to Mrs T's family, friends and many of my colleagues who were fortunate enough to work with her at the height of her powers. She deserves a special place in our nation's history and I am sure will be remembered as one of our most outstanding Prime Ministers.