7  Liberal, say, backing common sense without a sign of hesitation (8)

 9  Orange lady, possibly American, turned blue? (6)

10 Popular Irishman escapes from loyalist disturbance (4)

11 Gunner's jacket, perhaps worn over sleeveless cardie (10)

12 Person controlling enterprise succeeded following support at home (6)

14 Queen provided pieces of inside information about fighter (8)

15 Insect trapped in net, I'm returning from the East (7)

17 Client's bespoke design (7)

20 Amusing, retrograde housing and hotel proprietor... (8)

22 ...set resident right following incorrect, discontented grievance (6)

23 Lies concocted as if reality? Not I! (5,5)

24 Make a copy of Sting brand (4)

25 Hospital worker left ears in odd places? (6)

26 Dead sailor has buried chests where the sun don't shine! (4,4)

 2  Regularly consuming beers before match essentially leads to defeat (4)

 3  Search with very large groups (6)

 4  We're told why interrupting siestas upset writer (8)

 5  Unfortunately, fed up during education with no clear purpose (3-7)

 6  Raven eerily disguising glossy exterior (6)

 8  We need help digesting morning and afternoon snack (6)

13 Extravagant centrist's claim? (10)

16 They might take you for a ride to start with, those scoundrels! (8)

18 Charlie is in East Mercia playing cornet accompaniment (3,5)

19 Put one's oar in without preparation, intially getting mixed-up (6)

21 Top-rated line in River Island, fabulous! (6)

22 Cafe with monster eggs reportedly (6)

24 International airline has empty seats with low frequency (4)