No. 9455, Friday, 13 Feb 09, Sankalak

Delay in posting due to early morning power failure. However could not add many links, not needed in any case as most answers are straight-forward.
ACROSS
1 - A game target for dead art directors (9) - DARTBOARD
5 - Firework, if damp, has a disappointing outcome (5) - SQUIB Comes from the idiom 'A Damp Squib' and I always thought it referred to the Squib in the oceans
8 - Place for dance, black chamber accommodating everyone (8) - BALLROOM
9 - Stock exchange in which neighbours expect luck (6) - BOURSE
11 - The material of the clergy (5) - CLOTH
12 - Agony e.g. is overcome when relaxed and tolerant (4-5) – EASY GOING
13 - Inveigle people losing head with reversed role (6) - ENTRAP
14 - None could be more shrewd than this (8) - CANNIEST
16 - One of three in the sharing of a secret (8) - GATEPOST see the origins of this idiom
18 - Bachelor doctor ducks tall grass (6) - BAMBOO
22 - A goddess of the arts said to be intended for fun (9) - AMUSEMENT
23 - The way to cook oats right (5) - ROAST
24 - One gets up for some flowers (6) - IRISES
25 - Total LAN dislocation? Don’t mention it (3,2,3) – NOT AT ALL
26 - One wielding the clock returns for terms of reference (5) - TIMER
27 - Would a crooked spy relent soon? (9) - PRESENTLY
DOWN
1 - Total collapse of French cable distribution (7) - DEBACLE
2 - Preclude regulation? Not to be considered (4,3) – RULE OUT
3 - A gift to mark the passage of years (8,7) – BIRTHDAY PRESENT
4 - A party revolutionary is greatly loved (6) - ADORED
5 - A union under duress, to escape getting fired at? (7,8) – SHOTGUN MARRIAGE
6 - Part of Europe, showing a fall in British English (7) - UKRAINE
7 - Evidence of indulgence in drink, a terrible urge covered in a wager (4,3) – BEER GUT
One must visit this link if you are a heavy beer guzzler
10 - A vessel, yes, to test ore (5) - ASSAY
15 - Small insular area, one’s hindrance (5) - ISLET
16 - One working with glass, leader of group, less inclined to work (7) - GLAZIER
17 - Our trade mark is travelling, travelling for pleasure (7) - TOURISM
19 - Very noticeable infectious disease enveloping a part of South Africa is reversed (7) - BLATANT
20 - Do better — at Wimbledon, say (7) - OUTPLAY
21 - Path homelovers tread, holding a reception (2,4) – AT HOME