CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307 ¤0.60 per sms received. SP Phonovation, PO Box 6, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Helpline 0818 217100

Across

1 Protection for conscript surrounded by drink on return (5). 4 Conserve Northern party in repression (7-2).

9 Traditional meal with sires assembled (5,4).

10 One in possession may dither (5).

11 Youngster during month gets disease (6).

12 Cleaner is humanities expert with personal appeal (8).

14 Not at home, back in ancient barrow, generally disorderly (10). 16 Dress for Hindu quietly leaving French capital, back to front (4). 19 Conclusion of work by firm parent (4).

20 Loose rocks sent out with time for selection of entertainers (6,4). 22 Rubber glue — that’s the answer (8).

23 Submit to one producing tears? (6).

26 One interrupting forebear for very little (5).

27 Acquit old partner I value (9).

28 I’ll desert movement if so supported (9).

29 Equipment holds right answer for venomous Asian creeper (5).

Down

1 A toxic aim formed, evidently without argument (9). 2 Closely question rebel leader, interrupting breather (5). 3 Cues held awkwardly, listing (8).

4 Go head-first at subject of ridicule (4).

5 Maybe own those US city properties (10).

6 Asian city with a head-start in traditional wisdom (6). 7 Bring to ruin, having gathered up oriental shoddy goods (9). 8 Source of cheese for typical old lady (5).

13 It’s unusual to vend such weighty cooking pots (5,5). 15 Bad deal, interrupting little flier in this time of life (6,3). 17 Cross paths in court briefly (9).

18 Assault annoying person without thinking (4-4).

21 Loan to administer, without referring to scale (6). 22 Express disappointment, and at last get sense (5).

24 Play featuring medic and many another initially (5). 25 Daring type employed for extra attention (4).

Solution to Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword no 1,254 Across: 1 Ad-libbing; 6 Cubit; 9 Deserve; 10 Nirvana; 11 Rhino; 12 Fusillade; 14 Mug; 15 Lacerations; 17 Cod liver oil; 19 Cud; 20 Automaton; 22 Tongs; 24 Idahoan: 26 Ill-fame; 27 Entry; 28 Legislate. Down: 1 Adder; 2 Lasting; 3 Bernoulli; 4 Inefficient; 5 Gen; 6 Coral; 7 Bravado; 8 Traversed; 13 Surmounting; 14 Mechanise; 16 Tall tales; 18 Detract; 19 Cantata; 21 Moody; 23 Sieve; 25 Nil.