Dutch Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk says she may consider the possibility that Somali-born MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali could re-apply for Dutch citizenship.

Ms Hirsi Ali admitted that she lied in her asylum application to the Netherlands in 1992.

In an emergency debate, the Dutch parliament introduced a motion asking the minister for special procedures to reconsider her application.

But the issue is being seen as a political risk to the government.

Hard-line

Mrs Verdonk, has agreed to review the possibilities of re-considering Ayaan Hirsi Ali's asylum application.

In 1992, she gave a false name and date of birth to the immigration authorities to escape an arranged marriage.

But she declared the falsification when she was vetted for parliament in 2002. The parliamentary motion - introduced by the coalition Liberal party that both women belong to - was supported by a majority.

Ms Hirsi Ali's political downfall has caused much controversy in the Netherlands. If the hard-line immigration minister decides not to bend to parliament's demands, many fear the centre-right coalition could face serious problems.