Public fear, exacerbated by the inevitable media frenzy, will tempt both federal and provincial governments to take extreme measures, which themselves could stoke fear.

I have no wish, however, to stoke fear of crime and realise the importance of conveying accurate information.

Weak business surveys have also stoked fears of a relapse as the austerity drive and the eurozone crisis continue to weigh on the economy.

City traders said the rebound could stoke fears of an early interest rate increase.

That stoked fears that other banks there may go cap-in-hand to shareholders.