Playing hardball may yet win the day for PM

FOR three long years, Theresa May valiantly struggled with the tortuously complicated task of delivering Brexit.

Displaying remarkable fortitude, she negotiated a pragmatic and honourable withdrawal deal. But it foundered on the rocks of the Irish backstop, which could have chained the UK to the EU indefinitely.

Each time she sought changes from Europe she was greeted by a resounding chorus of ‘Non, nein, nao’. Her price for failure? Her prime ministership.

It is little more than three weeks since Boris Johnson succeeded her in No10.

And while we must not be wide-eyed, there are signs he could already be on the brink of a triumphant breakthrough.

During a bilateral meeting in Berlin, Angela Merkel suggested the backstop

could be ditched – if Britain came up with an alternative within 30 days. Mr Johnson has readily accepted the ‘blistering’ challenge. And why not?

Downing Street believes there are abundant ways to avoid border checks. Even Brussels accepts that but, mule-headed as ever, refuses to ditch the obstacle.

Can Mr Johnson’s so-called ‘Berlin boost’ be attributed to his boundless optimism and energy? Certainly in part.

But it is notable the chink of light came after he played hardball, vowing to walk away without a deal. Yes, that would be harsh for the UK, but it would be calamitous for a eurozone on the brink of recession.

He is also fortunate to deal with a grownup in Mrs Merkel. She has taught the preening popinjays in Brussels an object lesson in diplomacy and negotiation.

How different her approach to Donald Tusk’s, who responded to Mr Johnson by tweeting a picture of himself lounging in a hammock. Isn’t he the European Council’s dignified president, not a petulant juvenile?

If Mr Johnson succeeds, the Tories can expect an electoral bonanza. One poll suggests the party is already 17 points ahead – a crushing blow for Jeremy Corbyn’s neo Marxist rabble. Now the clock is ticking. True, there is many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip. But if he can persuade the EU to put people’s lives before ideological intransigence, it is a promising start.