i didn't get the impression that he was rude from the tv programmes, i did meet the guy. if i'd watched the telly alone i'd think he was a saint. he isn't, but he's a mover and a shaker and he's getting things done so i applaud him for his efforts. never said anything different.
and with regards to the staff or Fifteen, i don't mean patronising in the manner of a stern teacher. what he did, much to the embarassment of everyone in the room i was in, was introduce his trainees (not the ones off the telly) and basically lay it on thick about how he had personally intervened in their lives to save them from lives of misery, drug addiction, crack whoring etc.
it was very much along the lines of 'let's not talk about how great i am, all you journalists, let's talk about young tracey here, who without me would be pounding the streets glassy-eyed and looking to score heroin.' Turns to Tracey, looking terrified in front of a press conference "Tracey, what do you think of me and the opportunity i have given you?"
Tracey was tongue-tied and mortified and so was everyone else. Still, the canapes were second-to-none...