Politician who lived by her beliefs

Margaret Thatcher's legacy is an inspiration for Britons 23 years after she relinquished office. Other topics include: roundabout, loan sharks, elderly, landlords, migrants.

A reader remembers Margaret Thatcher as a woman of vision, integrity, courage and determination. Andy Rain / EPA
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Thatcher earned trust and respect, even from critics

I refer to the article Iron Lady with few friends in the North (April 9).

Margaret Thatcher was one of the towering politicians of Britain - and the world - who had courage, conviction and clarity of vision. She translated her beliefs into action.

As a leader, she achieved two major milestones.

First, she fought socialism in the UK and unyieldingly promoted the free-market economy. She mobilised the power of the middle class.

Secondly, she played a pivotal role, along with then-US president Ronald Reagan and Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev, in ending the Cold War.

She was a brave lady, who despite attacks and threats, never wavered. She narrowly escaped an IRA assassination attempt at a hotel in 1984. But the next day she followed her schedule as usual.

She was a fierce patriot and believer in individual freedom and enterprise.

Her leadership was characterised by a strong and clear vision for the UK, and an endeavour to transform society. Naturally, she enjoyed global respect.

It is distressing that eventually she was dethroned by her own party. However, her legacy inspires Britons even today, 23 years after she left office.

In an age when politicians are doubted and often abhorred, Mrs Thatcher was able to command trust and respect even from those who disagreed with her policies and style of management.

The film Iron Lady is a glorious tribute to the former prime minister.

When she first arrived as prime minister at 10 Downing Street on May 4, 1979, she proclaimed: "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."

In her own life and profession, Mrs Thatcher tried to live by these beliefs.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Plight of migrants must be highlighted

I am writing about the blog post Start up by stopping xenophobia (March 28).

I was very pleased to see that an Emirati citizen has begun to look at the injustices suffered by the mostly south-east Asian migrant workers in the UAE.

I am impressed by the feelings expressed by the writer and hope that she is strong enough to fully recognise the reality.

Name withheld by request

Cost of care for elderly is rising

The writer of the article Ageing carries more than an emotional cost (March 30) has raised a good point which few people would consider.

I have two friends who have elderly parents with dementia. Both of my friends are considering how they can cope with their situation and how best they can help their loved ones.

Incidentally, a new study by Rand indicates that the monetary cost of dementia in the United States ranges from US$157 billion (Dh576 billion) to $215 billion annually.

This figure could double as people live longer.

The average cost of care per person is between $42,000 and $56,000.

Colin Lewis, Dubai

Don't encourage greedy landlords

The story My landlord wants another Dh5,000 or he'll kick us out (April 8) reminded me of the time when my family arrived in Dubai in 2008.

At that time there was a frenzy of buying luxury goods and properties.

Landlords were charging exorbitant rents and no one was bothered about it. Basically it was a soulless society.

Then it all changed and Dubai became a lovely place to live. But these days I am again reading about landlords increasing rents and forcing some people out of their homes. Please don't let this happen.

Adrienne Doolan, Dubai

Roundabout raises curiosity

The other day I found the roundabout near the Le Meridien hotel fenced. Will it be demolished?

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi