CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Are the girls paying attention, or turning a blind eye? (12) 8 A crazy person has to come out of his shell (7) 9 Condescends to take on two hands to produce rough drafts (7) 11 Laughs at a deep ditch in some parkland (2-2) 12 Is about to find the answer, by showing determination (10) 14 One may regret having a theologian taking the helm (6) 15 Is most confused about the clutter. That’s the second time (8) 17 Present record including a talking bird (8) 19 Drum up support from a couple of cats (3-3) 22 Voters in Turkey, in short, turn out to be shy types (10) 23 Depend on some who can handle a new skill (4) 25 Is on the lookout for good cavalry weapons (7) 26 Forbid Irish singer from sporting a neckerchief (7) 27 Sister had plenty to work on resolutely (12)

DOWN

1 Dug a trench, but got rid of it in the end (7) 2 Cross into Spain, without one ... (4) 3 ... but the Spanish still have a full team on the

pitch (6) 4 Did organ end up producing a hormone? (8) 5 Some girls swear at a working conference (10) 6 Nightgown cut short 1 across, for instance (7) 7 Taking part in a tack event with a realistic hope of success (2,3,7) 10 May sanction mail sent off, being holierthan- thou (12) 13 May have to check on some troops, but still supports them (10) 16 Emphasises the strains placed on small locks (8) 18 He meant to produce some poisonous gas (7) 20 Take the blame, by the end, when having treatment (7) 21 After the second time, can be quite firm (6) 24 Some soldiers in poor shape lose force (4)