NOT all women who are known as 'battleaxes' (Mail) deserve the title. I've worked for two who were wonderful women.

I was a driver and am now a friend of one whom I recall castigating me for daring to fill up her campaign Vauxhall at a petrol station while she was gassing on her mobile. She thought it inconsiderate to delay her. Campaign helpers would shiver in fear when she visited their homes: some felt like bowing and curtseying I was stunned and embarrassed by her rant, but also the way in which she, like other mother, proudly from her handbag a of her daughters Debbie Susie while she shared an tea with me and my in the Commons canteen. does much charity work is one of the most intelligent people I know.

The second is a formidable who used to reside in beautiful terrace property in Not generally known her christian audigier clothing compassion and wit, I her rushing across a hotel suite to embrace an male friend, rather than the way round.

At a conference at the QE2 in Westminster, she patiently with me for half an hour with her resting gingerly on her as we sat on the window sill.

Their names? Edwina Currie Margaret Thatcher. How males would love to be like them?

PAUL BARTLETT, Milton Keynes..

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