Well, that's what this AP report is claiming at any rate:

He may have converted Ireland to Christianity, immortalised the shamrock and inspired some of the world's most raucous street parades, but Saint Patrick was also an astute operator, according to a new book.

The country's patron saint accepted land and jewels against the church's wishes to fuel his 5th century evangelising mission and paid tributes to pagan chiefs to woo them to Christianity.

Just as long as I don't have to drink the green beer again, okay?