It shows the establishment… all got it wrong

"The government, the opposition, the newspapers, the Dutch TUC (Unions) and the employers' federations. They are all very strongly in favour of the constitution."

Thus spoke a Dutch journalist from the BBC television studio in London. "A huge blow for the government," she said. "They expected 30 percent [turnout]".

Said another Dutch journalist, Gees Versteeg, speaking from The Hague: "It was the first time opportunity to make the politicians sweat… it was a confrontation between the people and the politicians."

And prime minister Jan Peter Deadender? Sorry, Balkenende. He say: "It's clear that we are not happy with this outcome."

You don't say!