This crossword No. 22688 clues and answers were published on Wed 27 Nov 2002 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 22688 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Go for Mailsort – it’s the best choice : OPTIMAL
5-across – Fish taken where it’s landed : HADDOCK
9-across – Plan for bringing back Thatcher – not half! : PROGRAM
10-across – Anyhow, sceptre commands it : RESPECT
11-across – Drug for fingernail treatment : DIGITALIN
12-across – Time to amuse, they say : ERATO
13-across – The rump, of course : NATCH
15-across – Model after the boys has gone out with an old politician : GLADSTONE
17-across – Flooded home, exactly when is not certain : INUNDATED
19-across – Against Conservative leader as a buffoon : ANTIC
22-across – Bush mad? That’s about right! : SHRUB
23-across – Flier’s annoyed with demand for payment : CROSSBILL
25-across – Fastidious person finds English painting heartless : EPICURE
26-across – It enabled Wyatt to hear – or not! : EARPLUG
27-across – Device for foot-related operation : TREADLE
28-across – A small amount one takes to end it all in a depressed state : ACCIDIE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Work in pad over in town … : OPPIDAN
2-down – … nevertheless needing time for contemplation : THOUGHT
3-down – Odd time to get in right talent : MERIT
4-down – It helps to see how to get over a bad situation : LAMPLIGHT
5-down – A bird gets no promotion from the lady : HERON
6-down – Stomach disorder caused by odd days without a drink : DYSPEPSIA
7-down – Herb, a Shakespearean in spectacles : OREGANO
8-down – Lines written to a girl at a terminal : KATHODE
14-down – Reactionary is sure to take cover first : HIDEBOUND
16-down – Mythical Greek or Roman deadbeat : ANDROMEDA
17-down – Examine prisoner initially arrested by bluebottle, say : INSPECT
18-down – Britain’s downfall spoken of round Lvov : UKRAINE
20-down – Flirted, perhaps : TRIFLED
21-down – Odour reported with scent? : COLOGNE
23-down – Hillside is almost bright : CLEVE
24-down – Worries about icy pillar : SERAC
This crossword has in total 32 where 16 are across and 16 are down.