Thatcher is doing fine, says son

LONDON - Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who has been admitted to hospital with an infection, is “chirpy” and “in good order”, her son, Mark, said Wednesday.

The 85-year-old former leader was taken to a private hospital in London late Tuesday for treatment of an infection after suffering a bout of influenza.

After visiting her Wednesday, Mark Thatcher said his mother would remain in the clinic “for a day or two” while tests were being carried out.

“They have started the tests and when they get the results they will make the appropriate decisions,” he said.

He said his mother was “chirpy” and in “good order”. She had discussed the public spending cuts with him which were being announced in parliament Wednesday.

Thatcher, who turned 85 a week ago, pulled out of an official birthday party for her in Downing Street last week because of flu.

Since leaving office in 1990, the “Iron Lady” has suffered a series of minor strokes and is also suffering from dementia. She was prime minister from 1979 to 1990.