Bright .. I just happen to have worked around the country a great deal and came across him on lots of occasions. I never once found him anything other than considerate in his dealings with all the NATS staff. It is easy to point a finger at "them" and say they screwed it up. I completely disgagree with privatisation and took every opportunity to say so to Bill Semple and lots of other people. Just because he had another view doesn't stop me respecting the person.
Considering all the dopes of Ministers who have meddled in NATS affairs over the last 30 years I still think that as an ATC service it is pretty damned good. Some of that credit goes to people like Bill Semple as well as all of the staff.
I for one am happy to give a bit of credit when it is due.