http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/ex-maddie-cop-runs-for-mayor/25896Ex-Maddie cop runs for mayor
IN NEWS · 17-01-2009 00:00:00 · 0 COMMENTS
Gonçalo Amaralo, former detective in the Madeleine McCann disappearance case and author of the controversial book ‘Maddie: The Truth about the Lie’ has confirmed he is set to run for Mayor of Olhão, representing social-democratic party PSD/Algarve.
The former Chief Inspector has also said he already has architectural projects in the pipeline, though his priority is to combat the “chronic unemployment” that is affecting the region.
Better known for his roles in the ‘Madeline McCann’ and ‘Joana’ cases – two children, one British, one Portuguese, both of whom disappeared in separate incidents in the Algarve – ex-police officer Gonçalo Amaralo said his most recent challenge is the “result of my availability and an invitation that was made by PSD/Algarve and the local municipality”.
He said “the time has come to offer support, to intervene and not stay sitting at home. I will once again be serving people, but this time with a different function”.
As Olhão is the country’s fourth city with the most unemployed citizens, the ex-cop has decided tackling unemployment would be his first mission.
Tavira Mayor of twelve years Macário Correia has voiced his approval of Sr. Amaral’s nomination, considering it “positive”, that the PSD party has found a candidate that has “a strong civic participation and who has fought for justice”.
Now 48 years old, Gonçalo Amaral joined the PJ police force in 1981, studying sociology, psychology, psychiatry and Criminal Investigation at the Lisbon police school.
This was followed by a course in law and a 17-year career with the PJ force culminating as chief inspector, in 1998, before controversially retiring under much speculation during the Madeleine McCann investigation, of which he was the original case coordinator.
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You have to admire the man- is there no limit to all his skills? All those University qualifications & then becoming involved in architectural matters so soon after publishing 2 books.