OUTGOING Stormont speaker Mitchel McLaughlin has moved to clarify the assembly's dress code ahead of tomorrow's first sitting for new MLAs - with ties "not an essential requirement" for men.
Following last Thursday's election of People Before Profit's Eamonn McCann, there was speculation the veteran Derry campaigner may come into conflict with the speaker over his choice of attire – especially given Mr McLaughlin's past insistence that MLAs wear a tie.
Last year, Mr McLaughlin clashed with Sinn Féin party colleague Phil Flanagan after the then Fermanagh-South Tyrone representative sat in the assembly chamber 'sans cravate'.
But in correspondence to MLAs, the speaker appears to indicate that Mr McCann – and any other members who choose not to wear a tie tomorrow – will receive a bye ball.
The speaker said he wanted clarify the dress code to avoid distractions from the inaugural plenary session's important business.
"While there is no exact dress code, it is entirely appropriate that members should dress in a way which demonstrates respect for the house and the job we are here to do on behalf of the people the assembly represents," Mr McLaughlin wrote to MLAs.
"That should be smart and professional business attire. However, I am content that a tie is not an essential requirement."
