MIXED PICTURE ON EU CONSTITUTION FROM DUTCH OPINION POLLS.

The latest opinion polls about Dutch voters' intentions in the referendum on the EU constitution are giving unclear signals about the possible outcome of the vote on June 1. The Dutch centre-right government of Jan Peter Balkenende launched its campaign for a Yes vote on April 22 amid a mixed picture of the state of play. A survey commissioned by the government put the Yes vote slightly ahead, with 39% planning to vote in favour of the text, compared to 26% intending to vote No. The share of the Yes vote had fallen back from 44% in March, while the proportion of people opposed to the constitution has risen from 23%. One third of voters say they are still undecided.

However, a number of other polls painted a bleaker picture for the constitution's supporters. One internet poll carried out by the IPP centre for political...