Political Platform: Stephen Dunne MLA
DUP MLA for North Down Stephen Dunne was co-opted to the Assembly in 2021 after his father, Gordon Dunne, stepped down due to health reasons. The North Down MLA was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and currently sits on the Public Accounts Committee and the Infrastructure Committee.
What inspired you to get into politics?
From a young age, throughout my school years,
I always had a strong interest in politics, public service, and the decisions that shape our communities. I was actively involved in election campaigns for as long as I can remember, putting up posters and knocking doors. My late father, Gordon Dunne, was a councillor for many years after first being elected in 1981 and later, an MLA in 2011. Seeing his dedication, commitment, and the positive impact he was able to make in our local community inspired me to follow in his footsteps. After graduating from Queen’s University Belfast, I had a real desire to enter elected politics. That journey began when I was elected as a councillor in 2013, later being co-opted by the Democratic Unionist Party to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2021 following the untimely and sudden passing of my dad from cancer. It was a moment that changed my life and my family’s lives quite dramatically, as we were very close and shared many interests.
What has been your proudest achievement in politics?
Being elected by the people of North Down to the Northern Ireland Assembly has probably been my proudest achievement in politics. However, what gives me the greatest satisfaction day-to-day is trying to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we have the honour to represent. Through my busy constituency office in North Down, we work to resolve issues relating to housing, roads, welfare, and access to public services week in, week out. We also support local community groups and sports clubs. Often people come to us when they are going through difficult times and being able to help them find solutions is both rewarding and motivating.
Who do you admire in politics or public life?
The late Queen Elizabeth II, was someone who truly epitomised steadfast duty and public service over so many years. When so many prime ministers, presidents, and party leaders come and go, her longevity and dedication to serving the public were unique. Her example was so inspiring to anyone involved in public life.
What drew you to the DUP?
Growing up in a political family, I was regularly taken along to hear the giants of unionism like Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson. Seeing them in action and hearing them articulate their vision for Northern Ireland in their own unique styles drew me to their beliefs and policies. As a passionate advocate of the Union, I believe the DUP is best placed to maintain Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, while making Northern Ireland work for everyone. We face many challenges today, particularly within our health service, infrastructure, economy, education, and the cost-of-living challenges. As a devolutionist party, we recognise the value of having locally elected ministers in place and an Assembly that can scrutinise the work of the Executive. While our system of government is not perfect, we now enjoy relative peace in our land, and Northern Ireland is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family, and has so much potential.
What are your key priorities for North Down?
I want to see further investment and regeneration across North Down, including in our city, towns, and villages. During this Assembly term, one of the key issues I have championed is progress on the long-awaited Queen’s Parade redevelopment project in Bangor, something that has frustratingly been discussed for more than 35 years. Diggers are now on site and work is progressing well, which should help transform Bangor and act as a catalyst for further investment across North Down. We also have huge potential to expand our tourism, with our stunning coastline, warm hospitality, and proximity to Belfast. Investment in schools and tackling educational underachievement have also been priorities. Two new local school building projects are now underway, with hopefully more to follow. As a member of the Infrastructure Committee, I have also consistently campaigned for increased investments to fix our roads and wastewater crisis. Delivering better sports facilities is another priority, both at performance and grassroots levels. We have so many local sports clubs run by dedicated volunteers who do fantastic work for people of all ages, yet often receive limited support. The benefits of sport and physical activity are so wide-ranging and cut across many areas of public policy.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I am a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly when it comes to motorsports and football. I am a big supporter of Northern Ireland’s national football team and have enjoyed following the team across Europe with good friends, including during the incredible UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, which created lifelong memories. I am also a passionate supporter of local football. Rallying, road racing, and golf are other sports I follow closely, including watching stars such as Michael Dunlop at fantastic events like the North West 200, and Rory McIlroy, who was actually in the same class as me at Holywood Nursery School a few years ago now. At home, we have a lively one-year-old daughter who keeps us very busy and has been such a blessing in our lives.
