Video: Paddy Ashdown: Margaret Thatcher was the greatest Prime Minister of our age The former leader of the Liberal Democrats reflected on Margaret Thatcher's personality and the difference she had made to Britain. There can be no doubt that she restored our country's position in the world. Her final triumphant quality was of course her courage. This, I think, is the pre-eminent quality of leadership, and she had it in abundance. "She was without a doubt the commanding politician and the greatest Prime Minister of our age," said Lord Ashdown.