I write in response to Martin R Maloney’s letter (‘Not everyone feels the same’, Your Views, July 24).

Having spoken to many Finchley residents since the publication of my letter (‘Saddened by naming request’, Your Views, July 10), I have yet to encounter anyone who found it insulting or patronising in the slightest. Quite the opposite in fact. That said, I would rigorously defend my comments regardless, in the street or in print.

I would like to know which of the charges I raised against Thatcher fall into “historical fantasies”, perhaps her treatment of the hunger strikers? Which charges fall into the category “personal hang-ups”, perhaps the sinking of the Belgrano or maybe even the obliteration of the mining industry? Do tell. As for “political prejudices”, I take little interest in party politics but if comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable is political prejudice, then I would like to be guilty of that please. Mr Maloney needs to be more specific when casting about with emotional language and my reputation.

I have lived in Finchley for a number of years and worked there as a school teacher so I feel I know a good representation of Finchley society. I have never, as ludicrously suggested, claimed to know how the entire population of Finchley feel about any tribute to Thatcher. However, Mr Maloney is deluded if he really thinks the majority of Finchley residents want to name anything in their area after Thatcher. Perhaps the changing ethnic population is something he is genuinely unaware of? It seems unfair to change the name of our hospital to please a handful of aging Thatcherites.

Margaret Thatcher was I’m sure a great MP for this area for many years but her record on the world stage surely eclipses any vain attempt to remember what is best forgotten.

Stephen O’Byrne

Miles Way, Whetstone