Daily Express...27.2.14.
17 across. Irascible drink with moderate journalist. Hyphenated answer, of 5-8 letters. I think the first word is SHORT.
9 down. Small pixie, fair, gets up without needing help. Another hyphenated answer of two words, namely 4 and 10 letters. First word could be SELF
I believe that 19 down is DEFACED and 25 across could be IRAQI.
Thanks in advance.