Deirdre Steven
- Name:
- Deirdre Steven
- Party:
- Scottish Labour Party
- Constituency:
- Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
- Election result May 2003:
- 5650 votes (26.74%), second of six candidates
- Election literature available in Aspect:
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- Election policy statement:
- So, what makes you think you'd be a good MSP?
My experience, my commitment and my belief in people. I've been actively involved in many local and Highland organisations. I chair the Council's Area Housing Committee and Pulteneytown Family Centre project, I'm a Director of Caithness Mental Health Support Group, a member of North Highland College Steering Group, Wick High School Board and Wick Town Events Group.
I played a leading role in developing the Highland Domestic Abuse Strategy and was a key player in the successful bid for funding for a Womens Refuge in Caithness. Before I was a Councillor, I was Chair of Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.
So, you could say I'm used to dealing with a wide range of people and making difficult decisions.
You spearheaded the campaign to save local maternity services. What did you learn from that?
It was inspirational. It showed what a community can achieve with a common sense of purpose. I believe there is so much we can achieve by working together to find local solutions to local problems.
You're involved in a wide range of community organisations. What issues are most important to you?
Drugs, health, transport, housing and jobs are issues where so much more should be done to achieve the results that local people want.
I believe these issues are important to people and I hope my record of standing up for the needs of the community will give people confidence in my ability to get things done.
I relish getting involved in the huge challenges which face the far north. I never underestimate the difficulties we face, but I have a clear vision of what we can achieve if we work together.
- Personal details used in election:
- all about deirdre
Labour candidate Deirdre Steven has deep local roots and likes to get things done...
Where were you born?
Thurso. I was educated in Miller Academy, Mount Pleasant Primaries and Thurso High. What happened then? I gained a degree in English and Sociology from Stirling University, then returned North to work in social services in Wick. After taking time out to bring up Matthew and Rebecca (now 15 and 18) I went back to work as Training and Development Officer for Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau.
What's your current job?
I work as manager for Highland Labour MSPs Peter Peacock, Maureen Macmillan and Rhoda Grant. I was also elected to Highland Council in 1999, so I'm used to a busy life!