Crossword 2

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

3. Access to a confession (9) 8. Bird putting the rent up? (4) 9. Determine sectarian problems (9) 10. Express sorrow about mantle (6) 11. A good start for the airman (5) 14. Let it change as a name (5) 15. The remainder take it easy (4) 16. Gets rid of outbuildings (5) 18. The price of company on the street (4) 20. Lance out to purify (5) 21. The team-leader requests jobs (5) 24. Ring the artist to get the right speaker (6) 25. Terribly attentive but hesitant (9) 26. It’s good to have a dress (4) 27. Weep about barren conditions for producing fruit (9)

Down

1. Various lithe acts? (9) 2. Playwright having a tot at first (9) 4. Clean up a section of industry (4) 5. I do business that’s perfect (5) 6. A model that shouldn’t be missed (6) 7. Leave out some indomitable characters (4) 9. And get bearings on the mountains (5) 11. Possibly false insects (5) 12. It may be thrown after a wedding! (9) 13. IRA intent on upsetting traveller (9) 17. Get a goal or twenty (5) 19. Sailor on brown sailing vessel (6) 22. The girl I take out (5) 23. Look for a lord (4) 24. More than six deliveries? (4)

QUICK CLUES Across

3. Assign (9) 8. Spool (4) 9. Siren (9) 10. Boredom (6) 11. Down (5) 14. Tint (5) 15. Ripped (4) 16. Lees (5) 18. Record (4) 20. Bisect (5) 21. Sortie (5) 24. Annoy (6) 25. Record-keeper (9) 26. Mine entrance (4) 27. Carnage (9)

Down

1. Thankfulness (9) 2. Preparation (9) 4. Pour (4) 5. Repulse (5) 6. Devoid (6) 7. Cast (4) 9. Harmonised (5) 11. Passionate (5) 12. Rash (9) 13. Irrational (9) 17. Trim (5) 19. Gambling-house (6) 22. Flower (5) 23. Cure (4) 24. Detest (4)