International

SP number one candidate Dennis de Jong took up window-cleaning, running his chamois leather over the windows of the building occupied by the representatives of the European Commission in the Netherlands. Dennis's new job was meant as a symbol of the need for more transparency in Brussels. "It makes it impossible for journalists and the public to keep an eye on what is going on there when procedures are so difficult and so expensive that only major corporations can access information," says De Jong. "Even voting figures in the European Parliament aren't always accessible, so you can have difficulty finding out how Dutch MEPs have voted." In contrast to the system in the Netherlands, members of the public must ask for a specific document in order to find information.

Right-wing Dutch premier Jan-Peter Balkenende does not rule out making himself available to become Europe's first president. This was the less-than-exciting news which emerged from an interview on television's KRO-reporter yesterday evening. His statement paved the way for a premature departure from the government, which would be possible if the Irish people change their minds and vote 'yes' to the Lisbon Treaty in a new referendum. As things stand, the office of President of Europe remains on hold.