IS knowing how to iron a long-sleeve shirt more important than being able to change a fuse? This is the kind of debate the Department for Education and Skills hopes to provoke this month by running a national competition to pick the top five life skills people should master by the age of 16. Other examples include sewing on a button and using a washing machine. Choices must be emailed to lifeskillscompetition@dfes.gsi.gov.uk by January 31. The winner will be given a personal tour of the House of Commons by Education Secretary Charles Clarke.