The Conservatives are back

In the context of a still worsening economic situation, with a sharp recession expected in 2009, and in spite of the government's second banks' bail-out plan announced last week, the latest ICM poll gives a new lead to the Conservative party, with 44% voting intentions against Labour's 32%. It looks as if New Labour has lost its economic credibility again, and Brown no longer appears as the leader most likely to fight the recession successfully.
Both main parties have tried lately to beef up their front benches: Brown recalled Peter Mandelson, the EU commissioner for international trade and a long-time rival to the PM, to become Business Secretary. David Cameron followed by recalling Kenneth Clarke from the back benches to become Shadow Business Secretary. This is of course particularly interesting because Clarke is a well-known pro-European figure in a party which has become increasingly eurosceptic. How is the Conservative campaign for the European elections next June going to be fought ? Are the Conservative divisions about Europe going to reappear ?