SEAN CONNERY - CONNERY REFUSES TO ATTEND TARTAN DAY

SIR SEAN CONNERY has refused to attend this week's (begs04APR05) Tartan Day celebrations in New York - following his row with First Minister of Scotland JACK McCONNELL.

The JAMES BOND star's bust-up with the politician has been cited as the reason for his no-show at the week-long event (APR05), after the screen legend feared McConnell was using his fame to push his own political agenda over Scottish affairs last year (04).

However a source cites Connery's busy timetable as the reason behind his lack of attendance, and explains, "He has a lot of other commitments in his life at the moment.

"For example, he is trying to sort out his autobiography."

Connery, who has played a prominent role in previous Tartan Day events, described his role as Grand Marshall in 2002 as "one of the proudest moments" of his life.

The source adds, "He feels the event has to stand on its own two feet, and it is not all about him walking down 6th Avenue.

"What I can tell you is that he is definitely going next year (06). He has signed an agreement."