I am very sorry to hear of the death of Baroness Thatcher today.

Baroness Thatcher was a politician who knew what she stood for – and what she stood for was the best interests of her country, Britain.

She was a political rock, one that would not be blown about by the winds of short-termism, be led tamely by focus groups or kow tow to vested interests such as the trade unions.

I respected her immensely, and admired her great political instincts and deep personal conviction.

Whether you liked Baroness Thatcher or not, she was respected by all  – even her enemies – for doing what she said she was going to do. I remember how refreshing that was after the dire failure of political consensus in the 70s.

This sad loss of a political icon signifies the end of an era, and politics will be duller without her strength of character and forthright views.