I FIND the vindictive comments by Margaret Thatcher’s detractors amazing. It’s as if all the prime ministers before and after have been so memorably wonderful, whereas most have been memorably forgettable.

Of course, she made mistakes, but she tamed the unions when all the others hadn’t the guts.

I was in management in the Seventies and Eighties and saw at first hand how the powerful unions cost this country thousands in disputes in their refusal to accept innovation and change, with far too many just workshy and power-hungry.

She also stood up to and beat the EU Parliament and then watched as the great Tony Blair rolled over and gave in to all its demands that now cost us millions.

I think Mrs Thatcher’s real problem with her detractors has more to do with gender. A strong man is admired; a strong woman is just “bossy” – maybe a mother complex problem here?

Mrs S Harnby, Stockton.