I suppose I was about 20, and a crowd of us had been to a village hop and came back to make midnight cups of coffee. I was in the kitchen helping to dish up and having a fierce argument with one of the boys in the crowd when someone else interrupted to say: 'Of course Margaret, you will go into politics won't you?' I stopped dead. Suddenly it was crystalised for me. I knew.

The election of a man committed to the cause of freedom and the renewal of America's strength has given encouragement to all those who love liberty.

What Britain needs is an iron lady.

Well, there's a lot to react against![in response to the accusation that she was a reactionary]

If my critics saw me walking over the Thames they would say it was because I couldn't swim.

Our judgement is that the presence of the Royal Marines garrison is sufficient deterrent against any possible aggression.

[On Ronald Reagan:] Poor dear, there's nothing between his ears.