CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

15 858

Across

1. Unfeeling Conservative meets all of us except female (7) 5. Leave current unit after a month (6) 9. First-class average upset following a blood problem (7) 10. Implement iTunes after training on laptop (7) 11. Item of footwear de scribed by Charles Kingsley (3) 12. Contents of wage packet? They make OAP flustered (4-4,3) 13. First to leave tragic setback in the Big Smoke? (5) 14. Tom — a super version of this cheesy device? (9) 16. Company plug-ins messed up connecting devices (9) 17. Gumshoe impressed by deep reddish brown colour (5) 19. Medieval drama a whodunnit? (7,4) 22. Iodine, nitrogen and potassium that’s ejected by 17 (3) 23. A rich eccentric welcomes writer, fabulous creature (7) 24. Spies seize traitor touring old country (7) 26. Links furniture components to conserve energy (6) 27. Feared Republican entering unnamed cul-de-sac (7)

Down

1. Race college girl in charge (7) 2. Journo trained to put this first item in paper? (7,8) 3. Old ruler offers very little resistance (3) 4. Trace abbreviated version of U.S. animated sitcom? (5) 5. Bread, bananas and jammy cakes (9) 6. Pick 100 sheets (5) 7. Stole is suitable when introduced to boss (15) 8. Hurt young dog running ~ around untrained (4,2) 12. Novice left Austrian state (5) 14. Wealthy person, one opening my luggage (9) 15. Try composition (5) 16. Wags old microphone within confines of clubs (6) 18. Tricky heartless work in a part of hospital (7) 20. Bail out of European plane crossing Cape (5) 21. It’s a bit ridiculous on reflection, but it’s clear (5) 25. Poem daughter’s written in Old English (3)