Posted on 05/05/2004 9:54:18 AM PDT by presidio9
Margaret Thatcher has made a dramatic return to the political front line with a searing attack on Tony Blair's "Left-wing" tax-and-spend policies and his failure to carry the nation in the war on Iraq.
The former prime minister's broadside came as she defied doctor's orders to make a speech last night marking the 25th anniversary of her rise to power.
Having once praised the rise of New Labour as her greatest legacy, Baroness Thatcher turned her fire on Mr Blair - to denounce his adoption of some of her policies as a "conversion of convenience".
To loud cheers from an audience that included current Tory leader Michael Howard, she said: "We are quite old. But we are still fighting ... the old ones are always the best".
Lady Thatcher's speech heralds a fresh determination to get back into politics following a year of faltering health and the death of her husband Sir Denis.
The Evening Standard has learned that she is to step up her presence in Parliament by moving her office to the House of Lords. There are plans for her to attend this year's Tory conference and to go on a US tour.
The political resurrection of the former premier is sure to be seized on by Labour as proof that Mr Howard is reverting to the more extreme elements of Thatcherism.
Mr Blair yesterday unveiled a campaign poster for the 10 June European, local and London mayoral elections, linking Mr Howard with his predecessor together with John Major, William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith.
But the Conservative leadership is unashamed of its connections, and last night Mr Howard paid warm tribute to Lady Thatcher at the Conservative Way Forward dinner at the Savoy.
Following a chorus of Land of Hope and Glory and to a video backdrop depicting her rise, she revelled in the applause from the 500 guests.
In her speech, she directly attacked Mr Blair. "We even converted our opponents, but conversions of convenience rarely last and they start to go wrong. Left-wing politicians fall back on Left-wing remedies," she said.
"They spend, they tax, they borrow - and as problems pile up they demand still more taxpayers' money, and then they demand another chance. But they don't deserve it and they mustn't get it."
She also compared her own victory in the Falklands with Mr Blair's war on Iraq.
She stressed: "When you are in office, it is not enough to have the right intentions, although that helps. It is not enough to seek the best advice, although that is important. In the end, you have to believe in what you are doing and be able to carry the nation with you."
1. former prime minister criticizing current prime minister - we don't like it when BJ Clinton and Jimmah C do it.
2. criticizing Blair for not "carrying the nation" in the Iraq War. They didn't want to be carried. What was he supposed to do? It's like criticizing W. for not convincing the UN, France, and Germany to support the invasion. They just wouldn't do it. OTOH, I suppose it's like when a batter strikes out. Was it a great pitch or a poor swing? Could a better leader have gotten popular opinion behind the war?
I shudder at this mental image. ;~)
I miss Maggie! In her autobiography she was told to compromise and she asked (I improvise)"Compromise - is that when I give up my ideals and do what I don't believe in?" Yes, Maggie that is compromise! Welcome back!
Right, opposition leader can be former PM. Right now, Tory leader is Michael Howard, but the criticism from Thatcher is not at all a breach of etiquette. Not at all analogous to Clinton's White Trash ways.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.