The directive, driven by the Irish Republic's presidency of the EU, aims to halt cases of mortgages being handed out without any background checks on borrowers.

BBC: Tighter rules for mortgage lending agreed by EU

"We believe it actually shows there is only a small risk to any one individual against the background of conditions that exist with or without Vioxx, " says Frazier.

FORBES: Merck Outlines Vioxx Defense

It is also a sign of our nation's tolerance that in most cases no matter what your age, sex, ethnicity or social background you can be as you wish, wear what you like and walk down any high street without feeling alienated.

BBC: Crossing Paths with Niall McDiarmid