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Thanks drxx.

Not sure I understand the parsing of all but will work on it.

I had Echo too. But did not realize that "second" had to be used twice.

thank you drxx

drxx, appreciate your giving me answers to both 1a and 1d.

I should have looked at the clue you gave sunray, rather than the '1d' before it - I need to de-fuzz my brain too!

Yes, using 'second' twice is stretching things a bit.
RECYCLE is a bit iffy too - 'tracks'=RY around 'Europe'=EC 'to get this'=CL(u)E.

Peter and Echo are both terms in bridge for playing a high card followed by a low card.

Is 18d NIDUS or NIDAL please?
38 looks like YELTSIN, but can’t see why! But I don’t have the crosser yet, 27d, Ambassador axes core group of bolshy radicals (6). Any help, thanks. Also a nudge on 5a welcome.

Hi Lumen
It's NIDAL (after SALADIN with A extra letter).
38 is YELT, like 'slip', another name for a young pig
For27d, think maths. for the 'axes' and combine with core of 'bolshy'

Thanks kobnut, that's a better idea.

And 5a is a headless Italian island with 3-letter word for 'boat'