Just in case there was ever any doubt that politicians are out of touch with their voters, the Belfast Telegraph reports on a survey (of "over 1,000" parents and grandparents) that finds parents want more religious mixing in schools.

• 43% would prefer their children or grandchildren to attend an integrated school.
• 67% support the establishment of jointly managed schools
• 79% supported schools sharing facilities with nearby schools, even if they were in a different school sector.
• 84% believe that integrated education is important for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Apparently representatives of the Protestant and Catholic churches have been looking into the practicalities of setting up mixed-faith schools. The Protestant churches are singled out for being highly supportive of any moves towards inter-faith education.

So (as if I need to ask), why are none of the big 4 parties taking integrated education (of whatever form) more seriously? Could it possibly be that it's not in the interests of tribal, sectarian parties to reduce sectarianism?