This discussion gives the impression that the industrial disputes all began during the MT era.  The reality is totally different.  As anyone who worked during the 1970s will remember hardly a day went by without news of another industrial dispute.  Disputes that not only had an affect on the business the workers were in dispute with but also on those dependent on their services.

MT was elected on a manifesto that spelled out clearly that if elected the government would stop subsidising failing industries, curtail the powers of the unions, end closed shops, only allow picketing by workers at their own place of work and the introduction of secret ballots.

The manifesto laid out the plans for privatisation, for the deregulation of businesses and the sale of council housing.

The 1979 manifesto makes for interesting reading and one thing you can't accuse MT of is failing to carry out the policies she had committed to.

The plan to introduce the Poll Tax, (community charge), was clearly laid out in the 1987 manifesto - "We will legislate in the first Session of the new Parliament to abolish the unfair domestic rating system and replace rates with a fairer Community Charge."

We are a very fickle lot, quick to complain when politicians fail to keep their "promises" and even quicker to complain when they do.