Education
Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Higher degree in economics (1970)
Doctorate in economics (1976)
Researcher, Netherlands Economic Institute (1969–1976)
Lecturer, Erasmus University (1971–1988)
Head of the planning department, National Land Use Planning Agency (1976–1980)
Head of the research department, Central Statistical Office (1980–1982)
Vice-Chairman of the GPV local party (1973–1974)
provincial chairman, GPV (1977–1981)
Chairman of the GPV (1984–1994)
Alderman of Capelle aan den IJssel (1982–1986)
Company-Chairman of the EDN Group (1997–1999)
Company-Chairman of the EDD Group (1999–2004)
Vice-Chairman and Treasurer of the IND/DEM Group (?–2009).
He is a member of the ChristianUnion, former treasurer of the Independence and Democracy group, and former vice-chair of the European Parliament"s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. He is also a former member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, a former substitute for the Committee on Transport and Tourism, a former member of the delegation to the European Union–Armenia, European Union–Azerbaijan and European Union–Georgia Parliamentary Cooperation Committees, a former member of the delegation to the European Union–Kazakhstan, European Union–Kyrgyzstan and European Union–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committees, and for relations with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Mongolia, and a former substitute for the delegation for relations with the People"s Republic of China. Member of the Advisory Committee on Foreigners, Ministry of Justice (1987–2000)
Member of the executive, GPV provincial party (1976–1977)
Member of the GPV administrative committee (1978–1984)
Member of the Capelle aan den IJssel Municipal Council (1974–1994)
Member of the South Holland Provincial Council (1982–1995)
Member of the European Parliament (1994–2009).