Merkel's mixed legacy cannot diminish debt owed to her by Germany

The name Theodor Heuss is unlikely to be known to many in these parts. However, the German liberal politician was the first post-war president of what was then West Germany and is credited with helping that shattered country re-build morale at home and repairing its utterly shredded reputation abroad. Heuss is also credited with re-instituting the awarding of national honours, a move many people were dubious about given Germany's more recent dark history. Renowned for his wit, he said he was unsure what bestowing national gongs would actually achieve, still describing the awards as "a good and cheap fertiliser for…