Opinion

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Family Guys

Friday 12 March 2010

Wouter Bos and Camiel Eurlings could have done more to help other dads who want to spend time with their children, writes Hanneke Sanou.

Ah, the family. ‘Family commitments’ usually mean anything but that. But could it be true? Is Wouter Bos really leaving because his family needs to experience him ‘live’ rather than as an argumentative presence on television?

‘Mummy, why is daddy angry all the time?’ his children sat in front of the television cry while their mother, in the kitchen doing the washing up – no plate for Wouter - again - sighs.

'He’s shouting at the bad people who think daddy is lying,' she explains. 'He’ll be here to kiss you goodnight,' she says putting a brave face on it. But evening comes and the little mites fight to keep awake, in vain.

Change the scene to Camiel Eurlings’ living room. 'There is a tremendously good play on tonight, Camiel,' his girlfriend says.

'Sorry, have to look into this kilometre tax thing love,' answers Camiel.

'But that’s what you said last night,' she retorts. 'It’s not rocket science, is it?'

'No, but it is slightly more complicated than you think, love,' placates Camiel.

'And something else,' his girlfriend says. 'My biological clock is ticking and you’re not getting any younger either.' And although Camiel utters something lame about Picasso, he knows she is right and he did promise.

Two men, one at the height of his political powers and perhaps on his way to the premiership, and another at the start of a very promising political career and perhaps on his way to his party’s leadership throw in the towel. And all for the sake of family life.

Holland's first ever minister for the family, André Rouvoet, must be pleased. And although usually the preserve of clapped out or disgraced politicians, in this case family commitments probably mean just that.

Apparently a job in politics does not go with having a family and actually seeing your children grow up. But that goes for a lot of jobs. Perhaps they should have stayed and introduced a few family-friendly policies so everybody can see their children for more than a few minutes a day.

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