Brosnan shaken and stirred by OBE honour

SPECIAL Agent James Bond was shaken, and just a little stirred.

Presented with an honorary OBE at a ceremony in Dublin over the weekend, Pierce Brosnan admitted he was taken aback.

The current holder of the 077 mantle, Mr Brosnan was given an honorary OBE by Britain’s ambassador to Ireland, Stewart Eldon at a special ceremony on Saturday. Honorary OBEs are awarded on merit to non-British citizens by the Queen on the advice of the Foreign Office to people who have made an important contribution to British interests.

Afterwards 50-year-old Mr Brosnan, who has starred in four Bond movies, said he was “flattered and humbled” by the honour, adding: “I never expected this or dreamt of it. I hope I can carry on doing good things with it. I am bowled over really.”

He said he had been told about the OBE about four months ago and at first thought it was a friend pulling his leg, but later realised it was for real.

Mr Brosnan was accompanied by his parents, Bill and Mary Carmichael, sons Chris and Sean, daughter Sharon and granddaughter Isabella, commenting: “It’s wonderful to have the whole family here like this.”

His acting achievements apart, Mr Brosnan is also campaign chairman for the Entertainment Industry Foundation and has been a leading figure in environmental protection efforts over the past decade. Two years ago, he was appointed a special patron for Unicef Ireland.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: “From his first steps as an actor at the Drama Centre of London, through numerous starring roles on stage and screen, Pierce Brosnan has captivated audiences at home in Ireland, here in Britain and across the world.

“In his portrayal of 007, he has added style and glamour to the image of Britain overseas. But he has also worked very hard behind the scenes in supporting an array of charitable causes. This award celebrates a truly remarkable achievement.”

Other well-known Irishmen to receive a British honour in Dublin have included Co Donegal-based crooner Daniel O’Donnell.