Sean Connery takes role on INM board

Oscar-winning actor Sir Sean Connery has joined the UK board of international media company Independent News & Media.

Dublin-based INM, chaired by Irish billionaire Sir Anthony O'Reilly, has media interests in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, including a 45 per cent stake in Sydney-based APN News & Media, which owns Herald publisher Wilson & Horton.

INM's UK board oversees the affairs of the Independent, Independent on Sunday and Belfast Telegraph newspapers.

From his home in the Bahamas, Connery, 72, said he was looking forward to contributing to the board's discussions around the issues which most interest him, including the arts, sport and Scotland.

"Tony O'Reilly is an old friend and I was delighted when he asked me to serve on the Independent board," he said.

"I admire what he is doing with the title, which stands as a voice of sanity and integrity in an industry whose standards I have had some cause to complain of."

Connery has been outspoken on aspects of British political and social life for many years, particularly issues relating to Scotland.

He has been accused of hypocrisy because he lives abroad, but says he will not live in Scotland until his homeland becomes independent.

Connery has defended his tax exile status by saying he had paid £3.7 million ($10.4 million) in tax in the last six years.