DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

3. He’s a fool to obstruct the chief (9)

8 & 9 Ac. Enough space to

inspire? (4,2,7)

9. See 8 Across

10. Country garden near the south-west (6)

11. Five housed in a dreadful hole – a slum (5) 14 & 17 Dn. Insurance needed for the Liberal Democrats? (5,5)

15. Pay attention to a short message (4)

16. Musically overpitched (5)

18. Cotton wool taken from a hospital in town (4)

20. See 26 Across

21. The age of deliberate destruction is trodden underfoot (5)

24. More than one federal member makes an announcement (6)

25. Not entirely how one shows preference (9)

26 & 20 Ac. Spy at large! (4,5)

27. Fellow reacts strangely to Yorkshire town (9)

Down

1 & 2 Dn. Entertainers indulging in irritable exchanges? (9,9)

2. See 1 Down

4 & 11 Dn. Their loan will be

revised by Richard (9)

5. Load the vehicle and get under way (5)

6. A harbour round the East is an idyllic place (6)

7. It’s a distressing feeling being kept in by teachers (4)

9. Is inclined to terminate in back street (5)

11. See 4 Down

12. Adores a politician – that produces a romance (4,5)

13. He samples what goes to pot (9)

17. See 14 Across

19. One needs discretion in charge of certain ploy (6)

22. Friends after ring – containing these? (5)

23. A bit of painted adornment round the wall (4)

24. Could it be the sole source of gin? (4)