Democracy nicely skewered by distrustful person (5)

I believe the answer is:

cynic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'distrustful person' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'democracy nicely skewered' is the wordplay.
'CYNIC' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am uncertain how this is indicated.

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cynic that I've seen before include "Misanthrope" , "One critical of the motives of others" , "Scoffer" , "One who scoffs" , "Fault-finder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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