Patricia Stephenson

Meet Patricia

Patricia Stephenson is the Social Democrats Senator for the Labour Panel in Seanad Éireann.

Growing up in post-conflict Belfast, Patricia has been deeply influenced by the region’s challenges. Her upbringing has instilled in her a commitment to peacebuilding and human rights.

Patricia spent almost a decade working in international development, including six years living in East Africa, including South Sudan and Uganda. Her efforts focused on collaborating with communities to address local needs.

Upon returning to Ireland Patricia and her partner settled on the Carlow-Kilkenny border, renovating a derelict cottage near her family. Growing up, holidays with her family provided her with a connection to rural life that she loves. This has deepened her advocacy for policies that ensure rural areas thrive without being left behind.

Motivated by the struggles she observed in accessing essential services and housing, she entered politics to advocate for change. She is a vocal proponent of women’s rights. Her experiences, both domestically and internationally, have shaped her holistic approach to policy-making, always prioritising marginalised voices.

I believe that everyone deserves to have a good quality of life, no matter what their background is. I want to make sure communities across Ireland have the resilience to prosper.