The trials of Margaret Thatcher with Irish terrorists is not well documented because she didn’t want to speak about it until well after her time in office.
The fact of her death has opened up the opportunity to delve into the records of such an important figure in UK politics as her.
In speaking to her briefly about the matter, it came to light that she had been extremely worried by it herself, not just for the sake of the country, but for her own welfare.
As a leader at the topmost point, she felt more exposed to the winds of hatred than most. It wasn’t just a close encounter in Brighton that made her feel so, but everyday occurrences too.
Her primary worry had been over a group called “Occupation Ireland”, whom she described as “neo-fascistic” and too dead set on doing her harm, she related.
She said it started as an academic troop but turned into a militant organisation feeding most of the lies believed by the IRA, principally, and other groups there.
There were three close encounters at the gates to Downing Street that made her feel unnerved. It taught her the valuable lesson of staying safe and heeding advice.
