Steven currently works as a Research Officer for Green Party Assembly Member Brian Wilson at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Originally from Dundonald, Belfast, he attended Brooklands Primary School and Grosvenor Grammar School, after which he studied Philosophy at Queens University.
Before entering politics full time Steven spent five years working as a Support Worker in two homeless hostels. Helping the homeless is still important to Steven and during the icy conditions of Christmas 2009 he spent a night sleeping rough on the streets of Bangor to raise money and awareness for the Simon Community.
Steven believes that there should be a greater focus on the needs of local people when it comes to political decision making, particularly in relation to planning, and has been involved in the campaign to prevent the extension of the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Steven was very pleased to have been part of the successful campaign to stop the sale of land at Seapark, Holywood in November 2009, which was opposed by over 1600 local residents and eventually forced a u-turn by North Down Borough Council.
Steven has also spoken publicly about his opposition to the proposed chicken waste incinerator at Lough Neagh and campaigned against the incinerator plans at Belfast’s North Foreshore which were eventually rejected by Belfast City Council.
“There needs to be a rebalancing of power. Often local residents are opposing proposals presented by wealthy companies with a team of PR advisers. Residents, on the other hand, are working on a voluntary basis, armed with little more than good will and determination. It’s a classic David & Goliath scenario, yet all too often our politicians back Goliath. This is to the detriment of our communities and must be challenged.”
Recently Steven helped promote the NIKPA Life Cycle, which highlighted the need for people to register as organ donors.
A keen animal welfare campaigner, Steven instigated a campaign against the selling of foie gras in Northern Ireland. Steven highlighted the cruelty of the practice (which involves force feeding poultry with metal tubes), and debated the issue with a well known restaurateur on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme, winning huge public support for his cause. Since that debate a number of local MPs have signed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons against the sale of the product.
The Green Party’s spokesperson on Children & Young People and Animal Welfare, Steven also sits on the All Party Assembly Groups for Children & Young People and Ethnic Minority Communities.
Steven is a member of Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth.
Steven is a supporter of the local music scene and also starred in a feature film 'I Wanted To Talk To You Last Night', directed by local independent film maker Michael MacBroom.
Steven became a father for the first time in autumn 2008.
If you need to contact Steven or the North Down Greens telephone: 07706784436028 email: stevenagnewgpni@hotmail.co.uk
Or write to: 76 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JB