May Steele facts for kids

May Steele was an important politician from Northern Ireland. She was born around 1936 or 1937 and passed away on January 8, 2020, at the age of 83. May Steele was a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), which is a political party in Northern Ireland. She served as the Party President from 2016 to 2020. She was also a representative in the Northern Ireland Forum for the area of East Antrim from 1996 to 1998.

Early Life and Political Start

May Steele lived in a town called Larne in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. She became interested in politics at a young age. In the 1950s, she joined the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). She quickly became very involved in the party's activities in her local area.

Becoming a Justice of the Peace

In 1990, May Steele was given an important role. She was appointed as a Justice of the Peace (JP) for County Antrim. A Justice of the Peace is a person who helps with legal matters in their community. They can witness important documents and sometimes help with minor court cases.

Public Service and Key Roles

May Steele was dedicated to serving her community and her party. She ran for local council elections in Larne in 1993 and 1997, though she was not elected at those times.

Role in the Northern Ireland Forum

In 1996, May Steele was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum. This was a special group set up to discuss the future of Northern Ireland. She represented the East Antrim area. Even though she did not win a seat in the next election in 1998, she remained a strong supporter of her party's leader, David Trimble. She also encouraged people to support the Good Friday Agreement. This agreement was a very important step towards peace in Northern Ireland.

Leadership in Women's Unionist Council

May Steele spent a lot of her time working with the Ulster Women's Unionist Council. This group helps women get involved in politics and supports the Ulster Unionist Party. She became the Chairman of this important organization.

Recognition for Service

For all her hard work and dedication to public service, May Steele received a special award. In the year 2000, she was awarded the MBE. MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. This award recognizes people who have made a significant positive impact in their community.

Party President

In 2016, at the annual meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party, the party leader, Mike Nesbitt, gave May Steele a great honor. He made her the honorary President of the party. She held this important position until her passing in 2020.

Legacy

May Steele passed away on January 8, 2020, at the age of 83. She is remembered for her long commitment to politics and her community in Northern Ireland. She played a part in important political discussions and helped shape the future of her region.