GEORGE CLOONEY - CLOONEY GLAD TO SPEAK OUT

GEORGE CLOONEY prefers to speak his mind even if his opinions attract controversy - so he can live a life without regret.

The OCEAN'S TWELVE star is against standing on the "sidelines" when asked about controversial subject matters - even if it makes him a target for criticism such as his stance against America's invasion of Iraq in March (03).

The 43-year-old says, "I don't give press conferences and preach.

"But if a journalist asks me a question in an interview, I'll answer it and I'll get s**t for it and think, 'Should I not answer a question and say what I personally believe?'

"I prefer to take that risk rather than be on the wrong side of history in 20 years' time and regret that I stood on the sidelines."