CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 16,962

ACROSS

1 Clan and two sets in trouble for lack of diplomacy (12) 8 Hated Republican of a sinister sort followed by journalist (7) 9 Young chap entertaining male graduate with a dance (7) 11 One obsessed by

number one? (10) 12 Amount of drink found

in shop in town (4) 14 Note a crude army’s

jacket for ruffian (8) 16 Rely on French

article shortly (4,2) 17 Friend at intervals

in bright colour (3) 19 A cut disputed by a

liberal? It’s genuine (6) 21 Campers need these gents with pet when disturbed (4,4) 24 On reflection, get rid

of mass school test (4) 25 Official aim to probe European fronting strange public vote (10) 27 Manure one found scattered in underground cell (7) 28 Hear line taken by academic authority in school (7) 29 Former actor tells peers possibly about English repertory’s lead (5,7)

DOWN

1 North American supports opening of this state restaurant (7) 2 Decide to stop visit, one by a U.S. lawyer in case of tragedy (4,2,1,3) 3 Lead sort at sea as

guide for sailors? (8) 4 Prominently display

place in band (6) 5 Greek character with doctor that’s insensitive (4) 6 Deploy soldiers in

Victoria, say (7) 7 Turn into a crisis mismanagement of heating board (5,2,1,4) 10 Surprise regarding fool

detaining quiet chaps (12) 13 Rain and sleet, say, seen by first person reportedly showing alertness (7,3) 15 Year before sci-fi

film still (3) 18 Fellow with slip in business arrangement producing postponement (8) 20 Form of transport here regularly for apprentice (7) 22 Unlimited ambition shown by lieutenant firstly on English ship (7) 23 Sport played in nets?

Yes and no! (6) 26 Some further expansion

in this place (4)