The original patch posted in bugzilla was fully tested for 4.4/4.5/4.6

http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=44618

I am reposting it here as a reference for review.

More recently, I re-tested it for 4.6, and it still pass with no regressions
on powerpc (32 bits)

If the general approach of the solution is acceptable, I would like to
have it re-tested with the latest in 4.4/4.5/4.6/4.7 and get it committed
in all branches.

Thanks
Edmar