Crossword

ACROSS

1 Look more impressive having dismissed first of Republicans (6)

5 What might be left, say, in frilly surroundings (6) 10 Name adopted when following boxer (5) 11 Many a time beset by evil – good to be mollifying (9) 12 Person serving Queen may see European question about resistance (7) 13 Disappointed and allowed to drink in one (3,4) 14 Detective reading for fun (9)

17 Raises game and strikes (5) 18 Expert appearing in newspaper feature (5)

19 Is cat meat made to chew? (9)

21 Informed by a couple of students taking everything into account (3,4) 23 Tramp stumbles across area with last of booze (7) 25 Pressing new peers in appointment (9)

26 Incompetent writer backed by one with time (5)

27 A challenge to accept women’s promotion on the web (6)

28 Student failing to start easy cash job (6)

DOWN

2 Group of nations supporting aid fixed for so long (5)

3 Abandon revolutionary sailor and soldier (6,3)

4 Dangerous raid, oddly, on broadcaster (5)

5 Biographical tales about new vital means of communication? (9)

6 Person who’s invited may be judged in hearing (5)

7 Furiously tail chap pinching old banger (9)

8 What’s left after following schedule is cut short? (3,3)

9 Spies found in a men’s toilet (6)

15 Criminal sold a vice that’s articulated (9)

16 Instant act as broker to support firm regularly (9)

17 Officer’s new bride touring Baltic port (9)

18 German wife and son outside Germany must be impostors (6)

20 Emirates will be empty, hosting opening occasions (6)

22 Love playing game that’s last of series (5)

23 Subject of note crossing border (5)

24 Article written for bishop on board perhaps (5)