Dutch 'Iron Lady' commissioner fights MEPs' business deal claims In follow up to controversial commissioners, Neelie Kroes has been defending herself against acusations of slease which seem to be politically motivated.

Theresa Villiers, the Tory economics spokesman, said Mrs Kroes had been singled out for a parliamentary lynching because of her rare experience in the real world, serving on more than 30 company boards in a wide-ranging business career. "The socialists were out to get her as target number one because they know she's going to push a free-market agenda," she said.

In a more normal environment, experience is something useful. In Brussels its proof that you cannot be independent. Next time I need a doctor I'll bear that in mind. I wouldn't want years of medical experience to sway his opinion.