Would Cameron dare?

Most people are agreed that Cameron's new objective, once Prime Minister, to negotiate the repatriation of a few competences from the EU to the UK, is a dead duck.

There is no way that the EU will agree to repatriation of any functions - partly because if he succeeds others will wish to, and "the project" will be doomed, the United States of Europe an unrealised dream. Tthe very act of cherry-picking from a past treaty is anathema.

So assuming that Cameron is genuine, and that this is not merely window dressing to gain election success, what does he do when his efforts are frustrated? (Personally, I think that he is genuine, that he feels that giving away power has gone too far, although he wishes to remain within the Union.) The only thing which disquiets me is his rejection of a referendum for at least six years, by which time everything will have bedded down.

He can do three things, which all lead inexorably to the same end:

1) Report his failure to the British people and invite them to express their views in a referendum.

2) Show our displeasure at the treachery which landed us in this position, by individual acts of rebellion, unpunished by our own government, and acts of UDI by our government in the areas where we want power back - social, legal, financial control. How would "they" react?, - fine us? How would they enforce their decision, by invading us, withholding the small grants we get? This would put us on a collision course, with brinkmanship leading either to getting our way or leaving.

3) Enter discussions with them about leaving. Again there would be threats, promises as usual - "Well we'll let you have your way for 5 years, but then you must submit."

In the end, they need us more than we need them. Our withdrawal would cause chaos. Economically the benefits are finely balanced. Our gains would be freedom and self-determination, and greater economic efficiency.

I wish Cameron well, but his hopes will never be realised. I, like many other members and supporters, have a difficult decision next May/June. Do we withhold our vote, or vote for another party, and lead to to hung parliament which Labour/LimpDems will run with some Tory europhiles, which is a vote for the EU in its present form? Or do we give Cameron the benefit of the doubt, and hope that when his approach to the EU is rebuffed he finds some backbone and bloody mindedness which is all the EU understands?