Ex-007 Connery forsees an independent Scotland in his lifetime

Edinburgh, Feb.25 : The former James Bond star, Sir Sean Connery, has predicted that Scotland would become an independent country during his lifetime.

Seventy-seven-year-old Connery, who now lives in the Bahamas, and is a staunch Scotland National Party (SNP) supporter, was quoted by The Scotsman as saying that he believed Scotland was "within touching distance" of achieving independence.

He also praised Alex Salmond, the First Minister, and the work of the SNP government since it came to power in May last year.

"I've always been hopeful about Scotland's prospects. And, I now believe more than ever that Scotland is within touching distance of achieving independence and equality," Connery said.

He added that the first step towards that had been the winning of Scotland's parliament in 1997. The second was the election of an SNP government last year.

"I believe we have what it takes to take the third step, and I am convinced it will happen in my lifetime," he said.

ANI