LONDON, February 27: Politicians and pundits, arguing over the rights and wrongs of a knighthood for Sean Connery, have left the actor clearly annoyed and defending himself against ``character assassination.''Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, accused the Labour Party government of rejecting a Connery knighthood proposal because the Scottish-born actor is a long-time advocate of independence for Scotland. The Independent newspaper reported yesterday that unidentified government sources suggested other reasons, such as his tax status and his attitude towards women.
Cabinet secretary for Scotland Donald Dewar, said the distribution of knighthood is never discussed publicly, but added it was not the government's fault that Connery is in an unwelcome spotlight.
In an interview with BBC radio on Tuesday from his home in the Bahamas, Connery said he had been told that ministers in the former conservative government had nominated him for a knighthood. He objected to speculation that hehad been rejected because of allegations that he believed in hitting women which he denied and that he is a tax exile.
Connery said the remarks he made did not mean he condoned violence against women, and said he paid taxes in Britain.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
