Friday, June 25, 2010 (DT 26189)

This puzzle, set by Ray T, was originally published in The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Introduction

I was able to solve about three-quarters of this puzzle unaided, but needed to dig into the Tool Chest to complete the south-east quadrant. This was partly - though by no means entirely - due to initially entering an incorrect solution at 24a.

Political Overtones

I detect a distinct political theme today - with appearances by a Labour leader (13a), a Socialist leader (25a), an Opposition leader (7d), and a Conservative leader (11d) - not to mention current British Prime Minister David Cameron (3d) and the former holder of the office, Gordon Brown (4d). Of course, at the time that this puzzle appeared in the U.K., Mssrs. Cameron and Brown were occupying the reverse roles. It would appear that Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg failed to make this puzzle. There are also several allusions to authority, politics, influence and privilege, including the Ten Commandments (1a), "grand, posh language" (10a), "right" (14a), "declaration from winner" (15a), "person of authority" (17a), "Crown" (20a), "vote for right" (7d), "Kingdom's premier" (8d), "reshuffle" (11d), and "left" (23d).

Although this puzzle appeared almost a month prior to the commencement of the 2010 U.K. general election campaign on April 12, some of the clues almost appear to be a comment on it. For instance, "Shock vote for right? Opposition leader's winning" (7d) seems eerily prescient. And is "Kingdom's premier lower than cheat" (8d) a commentary on Gordon Brown, the then serving prime minister of the U.K.?

Today's Glossary

Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle

Used in Solutions:

nit - noun informal 2 Brit. a stupid person.

U² - adjective Brit colloq said especially of language: typical of or acceptable to the upper classes. Compare non-U. [By extension, posh]

Today's Links

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26189].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

24a Stick up job (7)

An initial incorrect solution (POSTING) impeded progress in the south-east quadrant. It seemed like a plausible solution, with posting meaning "chiefly Brit. an appointment to a job, especially one abroad or in the armed forces" as well as its use in the sense of posting (sticking up) advertising notices (posters). After having determined that my first attempt was wrong, this clue remained the final one to crack.

Signing off for today - Falcon