But Sir Stephen said the potential for charities to help transform public services remained "largely untapped".
"Everyone involved in politics knows that there are stresses and strains on family life, " Mr Stephen said.
"It was getting harder and harder for companies to part with the checks to pay you, " Stephen said.
It came as Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said more Scots companies should be branching into the sector.
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Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said that there was no way his party would support a referendum on independence.
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Liberal Democrat candidate David Stephen said it was a good idea to bring different services within the city under one administration.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said on Thursday that the Scottish Executive believed it was in the public interest to proceed with the project.
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Speaking to the BBC shortly after arriving in Philadelphia, Oscar's dad Stephen said the family were "delighted" that the money had been raised.
Liberal Democrat Nicol Stephen said the Public Audit Committee was "one of the major success stories of devolution" and had uncovered some very bad mistakes.
Then came the most outspoken attack on the development, when the then Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Nicol Stephen said the Scottish Government's involvement with the plans "smelled of sleaze".
Liberal Democrat vice-chair Stephen Knight said there was a "credibility gap" in the mayor's housing plans.
Park owner Stephen Bristow said the mistake should have been spotted during safety checks.
Transport minister Stephen Hammond said the consultation on the changes would last until 2 April.
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Lisburn councillor Stephen Martin said the news had "come as a bolt out of the blue".
Police described the residence as "extremely hot, " Coroner Stephen Nonn said in a written statement.
Committee chairman Stephen Dorrell said it was essential the government addressed the concerns being raised.
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Stephen Stills said he remembered hanging with Havens in Greenwich Village and experiencing the singer's talent.
British Financial Secretary Stephen Timms said it was "not the right time for the programme".
Labour's shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said it was time for Mr Gove to "think again".
Hospital medical director, Stephen Upsdell said those affected will be contacted by the breast care team.
Labour's education spokesman Stephen Twigg said the findings reflected the achievements of the previous government.
On sentencing, Recorder Stephen Lowne said "it was important society keeps chipping away at this evil".
Chief executive Stephen Elop said Nokia "faces some significant challenges in our competitiveness and our execution".
Ch Supt Stephen Anderson said there had been a decline in court reporting in recent years.
Following the coroner's verdict, Stephen Roberts said his son "loved life and loved his job".
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Dr Stephen Bridgman said he believed the content of the drinks meant they were unsuitable for children.
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"It's pretty unusual, " Cook County Medical Examiner Stephen Cina said, commenting on the rarity of cyanide poisonings.
Friends and family described them as "devoted" to Stephen and said they "would have done anything for him".
Archaeologist Stephen Dean said there were two theories to explain why the latest finds were not discovered sooner.
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"We want to encourage economic growth, while reducing bureaucracy for businesses and local communities, " Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said.
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