╥For me it╒s like a dream,╙ said Mrs Margaret Thatcher last night, swivelling skilfully and with waxwork-like composure before a wall of cameras so that each one had a full frontal portrait.
Looking decidedly cooler than a vase full of daffodils which almost visibly wilted in the sauna heat of television lights, the new lioness of Conservatism faced her first public press conference at Central Office.
Mrs Thatcher arrived in Smith Square in an atmosphere of near carnival, considerably coloured, if not poisoned, by the blue smoke from television generators.
Stepping with the utmost skill from a friend╒s yellow MGB GT sports car, she was immediately into a barrage of questions. The queen-like figure in black taffeta ╤ a pinkish tulip providing the only decoration ╤ gave as good as she got. How did she feel about facing Mr Wilson? ╥About the same as he feels facing me.
╥There is so much to be done and I hope you will allow me time to do it thoughtfully and well. Yes, there are going to be some changes ╤ a blend of continuity and change.╙
Was Mrs Thatcher aware of scepticism surrounding the appointment of a woman to the chief Tory job? ╥Give me a chance.╙
Was this a victory for women╒s lib or for Margaret Thatcher? ╥Neither ╤ it╒s a victory for someone in politics.╙
Yesterday was altogether a fraught one for the Thatchers. Twin daughter, Carol, aged 21, was in no mood for celebration. She is in the middle of her law finals. Her brother, Mark, said at home in Flood Street, Chelsea: ╥It╒s fantastic and words can╒t really express how delighted I am. I╒m thrilled.╙
