Cameron shuns 'Euro bust-up'
I took one message away from . If he becomes prime minister he does not want his early months in office dominated by a row with Europe. This was Realpolitik.
He does not want his agenda or his party to be engulfed by Europe in a way that proved so destructive in the past.
If he had insisted on a referendum - despite the fact that the Lisbon Treaty had become law - he would have embarked on a gigantic battle with other European leaders. David Cameron does not want that. He knows first-hand how it almost paralysed John Major's government.
So, for me, the key line was this:
"We will take our time, negotiate firmly, patiently and respectfully, and aim to achieve the return of the powers I have set out over the lifetime of a parliament."
And in case his meaning was not fully understood, the Tory leader said there would be no "Euro bust-up".
This, then, will be a long legal struggle. It is a far cry from threatening to obstruct business unless Britain gets its way.
Some in his party wanted a more general referendum to strengthen the party's hand in negotiating with other European countries. David Cameron has dismissed that. As Malcolm Rifkind, a former foreign secretary, observed earlier, it would only have the power of an opinion poll. It would also consume much of the government's energy.
David Cameron's aim is to negotiate an opt-out from social and employment legislation in certain areas and a complete opt-out from the . It is very difficult to bring powers back to Westminster without treaty changes. And that is a tough road to go down. To change a treaty needs the calling of . That can only be done if 14 countries want it.
After the eight-year struggle to deliver the Lisbon Treaty it may not be easy to find 14 willing countries. Once a conference starts any country can put on the agenda whatever concerns it. To agree treaty changes requires the signatures of all 27 countries.
This has the feel of the "long grass". The EU knows how to string out negotiations and, as David Cameron said today, his aim would be to bring back some powers within the lifetime of a parliament. Even that may be ambitious.
The promise of "never again" allowing a transfer of powers to the EU without the say of the British people is politically shrewd. "Never again" is an attractive slogan to place in election leaflets. In reality there are no plans for another big treaty like Lisbon. The EU is worn down by the struggle to reform and there is no appetite for further major changes.
The offer of a referendum on this issue sets a benchmark. The Conservatives have opened themselves up to demands for referendums on other contentious issues.
Overall, other European countries will be reassured that David Cameron is not looking for a fight. What the Tories are hoping is that through legislation they will prevent a seepage of powers to Europe.
I'm 
Comments
or to comment.