Damon Bossino has said that he will not stand as a candidate in the GSD’s upcoming leadership election.

Mr Bossino, who has served as an Opposition MP and is a former Deputy Leader of the party, has said that he will not be contesting the leadership for “personal and political reasons” but does not rule out a return to politics in the future.

This is his full statement released this evening:

“Given the generous support I have received and the press speculation which has arisen over recent months, I have chosen to issue this statement as an explanation of my decision not to put my name forward for the leadership of the GSD on this occasion.

“I stood with the GSD after being out of politics for 11 years.  When I first stood for Parliament with the Gibraltar National Party in 1996, I was a recently qualified 24 year old lawyer.  I was then young and single and with few things to worry about.  By the time, I was asked to re-stand for Parliament with Sir Peter Caruana, in 2011, I was almost 40, married and with 3 young children, carrying particular demands.  I did so because their future was paramount in my mind.  I felt it was the right thing for Gibraltar to ensure a further victory for the GSD, although, for a myriad of different reasons, it was not to be.  Needless to say, I was very disappointed, when I knew that by a mere handful of votes I would not be serving as a government minister, but as an Opposition MP.  

“Many of you will also recall that I stood for the leadership of the party when the position became vacant in early 2013.  I thought I could bring a new and different approach to opposition politics and one which through greater and more effective connection with people, would have secured a better chance of victory.  

“I am therefore no stranger to standing up for what I believe in when required.

“I have received many messages and approaches from individuals encouraging me to stand on this occasion.  I have to personally and most especially thank them all and in particular those who, of their own initiative, have obtained the necessary nominations, in less than a day.  I met all the constitutional requirements of the GSD party, however interpreted, which would have allowed me to stand.

“One of the novel features of this leadership election is that the new leader could be a leader from outside the Parliament.  I am unsure how that will effectively work in the important years which will lead up to the next general election.

“After much consideration and consultation with a wide range of interested individuals, I have come to the conclusion that both for personal and political reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to enter this race.  

“My decision does not mean that I set aside my views on a whole number of issues which affect us and neither does it mean that I will not seek in the future to re-enter public life.

“My personal view is that our challenge is to adopt an honest, responsible and mature acknowledgement of our reality; one that accepts and could involve tough, unpopular positions, but where the long term interests of the many trump the interests of a few; where long term vision and so the correct and measured management of our affairs cannot be derailed by reactive and short-term approaches to policy driven purely by the electoral cycle.

“Such a vision requires firm, brave, realistic and practical leadership – a leadership that is strong in the face of adversity; a leadership that does not seek the path of least resistance; nor a leadership that is guided purely by the latest global or local trends and ‘the here and now’.

“The late Margaret Thatcher is quoted as saying that ‘If you just set out to be liked, you will be prepared to compromise on anything at anytime, and would achieve nothing.’

“That is the challenge of our times, of our community and of our political leaders and I continue to believe that I will one day have the opportunity of making my contribution.

“It is upon that hope and expectation that I conclude by re-expressing my gratitude to all for their support and encouragement, making my decision all the more difficult.

“Whilst I now choose not to stand for the election of the GSD leadership, I remain committed to our community, which is so truly blessed and empowered by its people, and so I remain excited and confident about what the future may bring.” 

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