Your views on the news: Bill Gates' UK swan song

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Last week, we covered Microsoft chairman Bill Gates' last scheduled appearance in the UK ahead of his retirement later this summer. We wanted to know whether you thought he was an inspiration or an irritation.

Here's what you had to say:

"Thank God Bill Gates does not have the oratory powers of Tony Blair or the media darlingness of Richard Branson. Nor do most people. This is a genuine intellect and human being who ran a business not on hype, but shear will, determination and above all great ideas, excellence and a little luck! Sure he has flaws and is a little awkward. Just like the rest of us... how refreshing and somewhat comforting. However unlike the rest of us, he has worked incredibly hard and his legacy will be long lasting, impact billions or people and go down in history as one of the most influential men in IT or any 'T' ever.

He is also, by many times, the most generous man in the world and shown and embarrassed many a wealthy man and woman that you can survive on less than a billion dollars! I hope he enjoys his well deserved retirement. Cheers Bill." Nicholas Rogoff

"Why would I want to hear Gates speak on issues not related to his main expertise? It seems we expect general advice and wisdom from people who have excelled in one field, usually in the sciences or tech. But why should Gates know more about economy or social problems than the thousands of experts in those fields all around the world?

This is why I can't understand Gate's role in Davos and elsewhere. It seems people give great weight to his remarks, but worse yet, he assumes the role of an all around wise man. He should take a cue from his genius-counterpart at Apple, Mr. Jobs, who keeps his nose out of places where it doesn't belong." Peter C

"Both, actually :) I have to admire the man for what he has achieved, in many ways sheer genius and definitely an inspiration. I can't say the same for the monster that has has created... Microsoft... it is a daily frustration dealing with the problems and chaos that Windows creates, upgrades that wreak havoc, you name it...Gates is a visionary in many ways, the implementation unfortunately is somewhat lacking; well I guess nothing is perfect.

Considering what he has achieved and the projects that he gets involved in outside of Microsoft, I think on balance an inspiration!" Jacques de Beer

"He has had an incredible effect on everybody's lives all over the world.

Nothing was ever the same after he came along, just like Maggie Thatcher; only time will tell us if we might have been better off without them. Perhaps it would be better if he were to become a Saint rather than a pensioner, then we could pray for his guidance when his legacy drops us in the s--t once again. Come to think of it, that could be a good thing for the Blessed Margaret as well." Keith Cooper

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