cryptic crossword no 970

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Across

1 Hype so hot can become system of belief (9).

6 Get on the wrong side of hybrid (5).

9 This setter doubly not excited by souvenir (7).

10 Left side of pauper embraces recent period of stability (7).

11 The main return with work for old teller of tales (5).

12 Wandering, one point is given with tirade (9).

14 Observe office of a bishop (3).

15 Forecasts in fancy description (11).

17 Share with oriental order in improvement (11).

19 Told to line up - prompt (3).

20 Go against grain for different food (9).

22 Fear being beheaded by mistake (5).

24 So certain daughter is confident (7).

26 Putting into words as very old leaders get sugar-coating (7).

27 Did you initially hold new dog unreliable? (5).

28 Get control of small island - it opens many doors (6,3).

Down

1 Seconds lacking to impress a US city (5).

2 All together in seamen's organisation (2,5).

3 Flier is smooth instrumentalist (9).

4 Quickly reproduce anti-abortion harangue (11).

5 Shrilly talk of wage returns (3).

6 One does heavy lifting to stretch for a better view (5).

7 Golden number surrounding, say, a flavouring (7).

8 Tours East unhappily, experiencing bitterness (4,5).

13 For first steps, I invite ASTI to reform (11).

14 Spray directors from watersport platform (9).

16 Offer is late, finally, for marinade (9).

18 Concentrating on military chief being blown outside (7).

19 Boisterous crack is not travelling well (3-4).

21 Soldiers in twisted state of anxiety (5).

23 Hairpiece that's handy for sport (5).

25 Deism, oddly, is not very hopeful (3).

Solution to Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword no. 969

Across: 1 Sure sign; 5 Mimosa; 8 Lion tamers; 9 Loot; 10 Market research; 11 Sincere; 13 Macabre; 15 Present; 18 Beagles; 21 Good-for-nothing; 22 Data; 23 Underscore; 24 Streak; 25 Reinvent.

Down: 1 Salamis; 2 Rio Grande; 3 So there; 4 Gum tree; 5 Misbehave; 6 Malaria; 7 Soother; 12 Run of luck; 14 Bellicose; 16 Regnant; 17 Storage; 18 Benzene; 19 Artisan; 20 Segment.

The Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword Book, with 60 puzzles, is available at €8 (inc postage) - email glenbower@iol.ie or phone (01) 833 5305