SIR – As we approach the time when the political parties seek to canvas our votes, a number of things may help to guide voting choices. The Coalition would like us to believe that ‘there is no alternative’ to their cuts to frontline public services.

They also constantly seek to blame their predecessors for the structural deficit and for the measures they are taking to deal with it!

It is true the Labour Government should have been more stringent in their regulation of the banks and bankers’ irresponsible ‘gambling’ with our money. But let’s not pretend the Conservative Party would have favoured stronger regulation.

The Lib Dems go against all their ‘progressive’ instincts and even renege on promises made within weeks of making them. And the gap between rich and poor grows greater, with Government measures worsening this situation, not helping to improve it.

The ‘We’re all in it together’ comment by Mr Osborne has been shown to be hollow words. Many of the Government ‘millionaires’ have no idea how ‘ordinary’ people live!

At the May poll it is imperative that ‘the people speak’ and send the governing Coalition the only message they will understand or are ever likely to take notice of. Remember this when you go into the booth to make your cross!

David Hornsby, West View Avenue, Shipley