This week, two heavyweights of the European political scene will come face to face as European Commissioner for the internal market and services Charlie McCreevy presents the findings of his review of private equity regulation at a conference organised to debate the issue. He will be watched by critic and president of the Party of European Socialists, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. The two have been at odds for more than a year over how best to regulate the private equity industry. Financial News profiles both protagonists.

• Poul Nyrup Rasmussen