Like Gerhard Schröder, her predecessor, Ms Merkel worked alongside President Jacques Chirac of France in seeking a deal.

Here:

Much to Mr Blair's delight, and French President Jacques Chirac's dismay, she abandoned the tactics of her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder. Rather than considering the Franco-German axis as the paramount motor of Europe, she acted as an independent arbitrator.

The FT, as usual, is closer to the truth, but the Murdoch press will always be on the lookout for any sign that allows them to say that France and Germany are split.

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes