I'm glad to see common sense prevailed in Parliament and tie wearing is now ‘optional'.

The ‘tie' is only a cloth ornament that neither warms or protects the wearer, but it gives an advantage to any would-be attacker.

The tie makes a good gripping handle.

The tie is also a health hazard because it is rarely washed, especially university or graduation ties.

There have been epidemics in hospitals spread by the ties of tending doctors.

If a pathologist was to randomly take a tie from a New Zealand MP, they would perhaps find the minute remains of the past 20 meals consumed, plus various specks of skin and bodily fluids.

In the war on germs, the ‘tie' is the elephant in the room that nobody notices.

It's time we said goodbye to the ‘tie'.

P.S: Have you seen ties on a washing line? I haven't.

K Jones, Katikati.