the grounds that the helicopters had not been delivered when stipulated. He then considered rescinding another existing contract for the purchase of twelve helicopters NH-90, manufactured by Nato Helicopters Industries (a subsidiary of Eurocopter Group) and buy American-made Blackhawk helicopters instead but he eventually authorized the NH-90 helicopters purchase in the amount of 420 million euros. Paulo Portas then went ahead with the purchase of twelve EH101 helicopters from manufacturer AgustaWestland at a total cost of 300 million euros for Portugal. However the purchase price for the EH101s did not include their maintenance, which subsequently added an extra 120 million euros to the price and raised questions on whether the helicopter deals were in the best interests of Portugal both in terms of the high cost and the multiple configurations. The "irrevocable" resignation from Cabinet In 2013, when Portas resigned "from the Government" he stated in his press communiqué that his resignation was "irrevocable" but then agreed to stay on in the government in a higher capacity as Deputy Prime-Minister. Portas' resignation was reported to be an impulsive but genuine gesture of protest, to distance himself from an increasingly unpopular government that went awry. Portas explained his change of mind about resigning saying he "preferred to pay a reputation price for a better future" and that "the country comes first." Personal life Portas is a lifelong bachelor, who has never publicly assumed a romantic relationship and who invariably attends his many official functions unescorted or in the casual company of socialite women known to be attached to other men. He has no children but has expressed his wish to "become a father one day." Portas is known to be a fan of Parov Stelar, a well-known Electro Swing musician, and a supporter of Lisbon football team Sporting Clube de Portugal. He is also reported to be a compulsive cigarette smoker, a cinephile and a history-buff. Honours Officer of the Order of Civil Merit, Spain (17 August 1998) Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit, Poland (16 July 2012) Sash of the Order of the Aztec Eagle, Mexico (7 October 2014) Commander of the Order of the Star of Romania, Romania (16 October 2016) Grand-Cross with diamonds of the Order of the Sun, Peru (16 October 2016) References Paulo Portas. In Infopédia [Em linha]. Porto: Porto Editora, 2003–2008. [Consult. 2008-12-18]. <URL: http://www.infopedia.pt/$paulo-portas>. 1962 births CDS – People's Party politicians