Who runs this place? The devolution 'don't knows' speak

It is jaw-dropping stuff. The news will have had the chattering classes of Pontcanna* spluttering into their home-made granola.

Who knew, eh? Fewer than half of people in Wales realise the NHS is the responsibility of the Welsh government. After 15 years of devolution, only 48% knew Welsh ministers were in charge. As many as 43% thought the NHS was still run by the UK government.

The poll may prompt much scratching of heads from Cardiff Bay to Downing Street, where David Cameron has made a habit of attacking the Welsh NHS. If the poll is right, some voters will think this is a political suicide attempt by the prime minister rather than criticism of a Labour government in Wales.

Back to the poll. On education, 61 % said correctly the issue is devolved - 31% thought it was reserved. On policing, 42% wrongly thought it was devolved - 50% said correctly the UK government was in charge.

On twitter, those whose daily lives involve liaising with and lobbying devolved institutions are gnashing their teeth in despair at apparent widespread public ignorance.

If knowledge of the basics of devolution is so lacking, we can safely assume debates over its future direction and where powers should lie are also passing people by.

The politicians may blame the "London" media but that assumes people still read newspapers in huge volumes. Even if they do, in a free society politicians cannot dictate which papers people in Wales choose to read. Western Mail circulation is (considerably) less than half what it was before devolution.

The poll is a challenge for all of us in the political bubble to assume less and explain more. Your ideas - within the house rules, of course - are welcome.

ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1004 adults aged 18+ by telephone on 22nd May - 1st June 2014. Interviews were conducted across Wales and the results have been weighted to the profile of all Welsh adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

(*I have nothing against the good people of Pontcanna. Some of my best friends etc....)