Conservative candidate Julie Pirone insists she has what it takes to convince voters in Paisley and Renfrewshire North to back her at next month’s General Election.

Mrs Pirone has said she is keen to “stop the talk” about a second Scottish independence referendum.

She told The Gazette: “The more we talk about constitutional politics, the less time we spend on things that matter and looking at local issues such as bin collections in Renfrewshire or education and healthcare.”

 

A self-proclaimed “proud Scot and Unionist,” Mrs Pirone said her priority as MP would be to keep Scotland in the UK and has urged voters to “think very carefully” about which party they want in power in the coming years.

“The population has already voted on independence in 2014,” she added. “They said ‘no’ – and we’re sure they will say ‘no’ again.”

The first-time candidate said she is passionate about all things Renfrewshire and her election campaign will focus on issues around the NHS, childcare and education for young people, as well as providing a boost for the local farming community.

Mrs Pirone is a former journalist with more than 27 years’ experience working in communications and public relations for some of Scotland’s largest companies, including Royal Mail and BT Scotland.

A former Renfrew High pupil, she has also lived in Paisley and Bridge of Weir and is the voluntary chairwoman of an after-school club which helps working mothers and fathers every day of the week.

“We need to get on with Brexit so that everyone can start making decisions in business and for their families,” she continued.

“I do not want to see the Union broken up. I want all our politicians to return to tackling the real issues that are important to the people of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire.”

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