Britain in the 1970s was undoubtedly an economic mess because of the oil price explosion.

In politics, guts is all.

I will fight for what I believe in until I drop dead. And that's what keeps you alive.

Why get rid of Chamberlain to put in Halifax? It's like getting rid of the organ-grinder to put in the monkey.

Think, think, think. It will hurt like hell at first, but you'll get used to it.

And what always struck me about that war period was how even Churchill had to talk socialism to keep up people's morale.

I have never consciously exploited the fact that I am a woman. I wouldn't dare try that even if I knew how to. I have too much respect for my male colleagues to think they would be particualrly impressed.