Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders has said he will not take part in a debate on national public radio in the run-up to the local elections of 3 March.

Mr Wilders, whose Freedom Party is fielding candidates in the cities of The Hague and Almere only, has criticised the set-up of the debate. NOS Radio reacted with disappointment, saying it would have preferred for Mr Wilders to participate. There will also be a debate on TV later this month, in which the opposition MP has agreed to participate.

Seven other party leaders have agreed to come to the radio studio and debate national as well as local issues. In the current political climate, with the coalition government facing tough decisions on the economy, road pricing and the Afghanistan mission, local election results are seen as an indicator of the national government's strength.

The electorate appears less eager, as polls show that only a quarter of Dutch voters are aware that local elections are to be held on 3 March.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide