THE HAGUE, 22/01/03 - Labour (PvdA) has too little attention for the economy, in the view of a majority of businesses. Two-thirds expect that PvdA presence in the next cabinet will have an adverse effect on employment.

A majority (69 percent) of CEOs regard a coalition of the Christian democrats (CDA) and conservatives (VVD) as the most desirable, according to a poll presented yesterday by employers' organization VNO-NCW. About 5 percent preferred a coalition of CDA and VVD with the Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) or center-left (D66). Three-quarters oppose PvdA participation in the government, mainly because they expect a weaker financial and economic policy from the party.

Only 2 percent of company owners do not intend to vote in today's general elections. Of the rest, 44 percent favor the VVD, 27 percent the CDA, 13 percent the PvdA and 5 percent D66.