Sep 21 - BREAKING NEWS: Bossino Not Standing For Election
The GSD’s Damon Bossino has just announced that he will not be putting his name forward as a candidate in this year’s general election. This follows the recent similar announcement from his fellow Opposition MP Selwyn Figueras and the resignation of Isobel Ellul-Hammond.
This is his full statement as distributed to the press this afternoon:
After taking time to consider my political future I have come to the firm decision that I will not be putting my name forward as a parliamentary candidate for the next general election.
On balance and intrinsically I know that this is the right thing to do at this point in my life due to family and professional commitments. I take this decision fully conscious that the GSD is served by a leader who has shown tenacity, drive and determination. I also take comfort from the fact that the party will be supported by new, committed individuals who have put their names forward as candidates for the upcoming parliamentary election. I encourage more people to offer themselves to public life in this way, irrespective of their political allegiances and contribute to Gibraltar’s political future.
This has been a far from easy decision for me; I love Gibraltar and its people. Leaving politics represents a huge personal sacrifice. I have enjoyed being a parliamentarian over the last four years. There have been challenges but the experience of serving Gibraltar in this way has been overwhelmingly satisfying and positive. It has given me the opportunity to meet many people in our community and beyond, as well as making Gibraltar’s case in the international press. I remain committed to Gibraltar.
As I said during the course of my budget speech this year, my hope is that our political leaders centre and focus on debating the issues. Debating the issues and finding common ground on the important matters which impact on us is what must take centre stage.
I am aware that some will be disappointed with my decision but I know that the GSD’s values, principles and vision will endure. I hope someday to re-enter public life should the right circumstances arise.
I am grateful to the leader of the party and our supporters for giving me the time and space to take my decision; those who have offered me advice over the last few months; Sir Peter Caruana for encouraging me to stand in 2011; and my wife, family and professional colleagues without whose support the last four years would not have been possible.
As part of a series of ongoing seasonal crime prevention initiatives, the Royal Gibraltar Police is today launching “Your Practical Guide to Basic Cyber Safety,” an informative guide that aims to improve awareness within the community with regards to online risks. The RGP says that crime prevention is a collective responsibility and that, from a Police perspective, “education and awareness is paramount”. The booklet will cover the topics listed below with a view to assist in preventing members of the public from becoming victims of crime:
The organisation, production and staging of this year’s New Year Celebrations have been awarded to Axel Media.
