An offer by five of Holland’s leading companies to help political parties keep in touch with voters ahead of the November election has been spurned by at least Labour (PvdA) and the Socialists.

Various newspapers report today that KPN, TNT, Ordina, Endemol and Microsoft have offered to invest €3.5 mln in a foundation to help the parties build websites and start direct mail programmes to reach voters. The Socialist party said it does not want to hand its supporters’ addresses and email information over to private companies.