CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 May grant support to a programme, but it’s a bit late (6,8) 9 Rails at disruption, knowing the ropes (7) 10 Disgusting old man involved in a hue and cry (7) 11 At the end, leave madmen behind with some narcissists (10) 12 After a little time, one might wear a short dress (4) 14 The whole world, by the end, could become raunchy (6) 15 Get in position to explore the landscape (8) 17 Let Dante be creative, and artistic (8) 19 After ill-fated court appearance, go straight (6) 22 Managed to take Kelvin to the graduation (4) 23 Stick to tender from one having a promoted post in hospital (5,5) 25 Profits, we’re told, made by giving old car back to the French (7) 26 Did one get near it, developing immobility (7) 27 The most important item of opinion, on paper (7,7)

DOWN 1 Surprising statement, but one can take it or leave it (7,2,2,3) 2 Give some shelter providing a berth, in the main (7) 3 Anna heard about a model being close by (4,2,4) 4 Is coming back to strip a small bird (6) 5 Give some help to one about to get the right barrow (8) 6 Leading Democrat addressed Irish liberals in parliament (4) 7 Stars one over the eight can still be lionhearted (7) 8 Sign up to compete, and be in the running (3,4,3,4) 13 After a second tip-off, workers had little time for the task in hand (10) 16 Airliners had to take note, about to chuck things out (8) 18 To rule for a long time can create a dynasty (7) 20 Make a mistake by putting a model in charge. It’s irregular ... (7) 21 ... and put a friar in charge of a very large area (6) 24 Is very happy to have found a good chap (4)