Portal:Gibraltar/Selected biography/2

Joseph John Bossano, known as Joe Bossano, is a Gibraltarian politician, and leader of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party. He was Chief Minister from 25 March 1988 to 17 May 1996. Since that time he has been Leader of the Opposition in the Gibraltar Parliament.

His hardline stance against any sovereignty deal with Spain without the consent of the Gibraltarians, which saw him returned to office in 1992 with a 72% majority vote, (using the slogan "Give Spain No Hope") caused considerable friction with governments in London and Madrid who were looking for a solution to the 300 year old Spanish claim to Gibraltar. As Chief Minister he maintained good relations with Spanish politicians at municipal level, but would not sit to discuss the sovereignty of Gibraltar with them. (more...)