José Ribeiro e Castro

José Duarte de Almeida Ribeiro e Castro (born Lisbon, 24 December 1953) is a Portuguese lawyer and politician. He was the leader of the People's Party since 24 April 2005 to 2007 , wen he was replaced again by Paulo Portas. He is also a member of the European Parliament, since 1999, currently for the Social Democratic Party–People's Party coalition; part of the European People's Party–European Democrats group.

He also occupied or still occupies the following public posts :

EPP/ED group coordinator at the Human Rights Subcommittee in the European Parliament (since 2004).

Member of the CDS-PP’s National Board Executive Committee (since 2004).

Member and Chairman of Sintra’s Municipal Assembly (since 2002).

Vice-Chairman of "Sport Lisboa e Benfica" (1997-1998).

Between 1991 and 1999, he held a number of managerial posts at TVI television.

Legal adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (since 1991).

Member of the Higher Council for Social Policy of the Ministry of Social Affairs (1988-1990).

Member (1988-1990) and Chairman (1990-1991) of the inspection board of RTP (Portuguese Radio and Television).

Adviser and assistant to the Ministry of Education (1987-1991).

Member of Odemira’s Municipal Assembly (1982-1985).

Vice-Chairman of the CDS’ parliamentary group (1981).

Secretary of State in the Deputy Prime Minister's Office (1980 and 1981-1983).

Member of the National Board (1979-1983) of CDS and CDS-PP (1998-2003).

Member of the Portuguese Parliament (1976-1983 and 1999).

CDS spokesman (1976-1983).

Legal expert and counsellor (1976-1999).

Member of the National Board of the CDS party (1975-1983) and the CDS-PP (since 1998).

Graduate in law (Lisbon, 1975).

Contributor to various newspapers (since 1974).

Founder of Juventude Centrista (1974).