Crossword Genius

I speak badly of key individual? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

islander

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'key individual?' is the definition.
'islander' can be an answer for 'individual?' (islander is a kind of individual). I'm unsure of the 'key' bit.

'i speak badly' is the wordplay.
'speak badly' becomes 'slander' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'i'+'slander'='ISLANDER'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for islander that I've seen before include "Maybe Corfiot" , "Person inhabiting Aran, say" , "Rum person perhaps" , "native of Borneo, for example" , "End rails (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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