CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Boring sort of tomes covering current religious education (8)

5. Chat is beginning to seem backward among Republicans? (6)

9. Dog rarely missing essentials in underground workplace (8)

10. Sidetrack one in a suit with time (6)

12. Loud duo regularly observed in board game (4)

13. Huge Greek character in brief period facing

U.S. gangster (10)

15. Children with figure among fancy elites in principality (13)

19. Tim and Ned upset about second person in a club breaking up? (13)

23. Speed in journey undertaken by adventurous types? (10)

25. Make note of a

Portuguese footballer (4)

28. Turns of phrase southern Indian leader touring India rejected (6)

29. Irish writer describing tree in scary phenomenon? (8)

30. Fresh energy on reflection in part of an aircraft (6)

31. Noted explorer made nuns upset (8)

Down

1. Amuse Alec essentially after moment (6)

2. Some febrile doctor’s bothered (5)

3. Sully in this way article in Rome (4)

4. Greek character played chord for writer Iris (7)

6. Postponed like a winter gala? (2,3)

7. Charming mate prepared item of confectionery (9)

8. Quietly let aunt off getting childishly bad-tempered (8)

11. Pollutant making one angry (4)

14. Some zealously consuming selection of Middle East dishes (4)

15. Lean on actor Vincent to get basic cost? (4,5)

16. Part of golfer’s stuff is

themed at intervals (3)

17. Remove simple structure to house animals? (4)

18. Sticky stuff is heaved around (8)

20. UK citizens overlooking rare fragments (4)

21. Element shortly seen in outskirts of Redditch? (7)

22. In a stylised way, carve name in underground chamber (6)

24. Posh doctor found in party for animated film (5)

26. Leaves out award before appeal close to medals (5)

27. Found cooking lacking in fine Japanese food (4)