Waveney Valley might not be the only new constituency turning to the Green party (Waveney Valley ought to be a Tory heartland. Could angry voters turn it Green?, 28 June). In Isle of Wight East, local issues are at the fore of each candidate’s presentations. National policies seem irrelevant after years of neglect. The Conservative ideology of private enterprise has served us ill. Privately owned ferry services with ever fewer sailings and higher prices disconnect us and discourage people from working here. The environment is a daily concern as our clean seas have been sacrificed to corporate ineptitude and poor regulation, and a massive landslip last December has yet to be dealt with. Is it surprising that our Green candidate has led several exit polls from local hustings? London journalists and politicians warn of wasted votes that could dilute a Labour or Tory victory, but if you’re living on the coastal fringes and want proper representation, smaller parties are the way to go. They may not form the next government, but they could water down the dominant metropolitan interests and ensure we are heard. Yvonne Williams Ryde, Isle of Wight