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It is likely that papers exist to make a statement (1,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

i daresay

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'it is likely' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'papers exist to make a statement' is the wordplay.
'papers' becomes 'ID' (identity papers).
'exist' becomes 'are' ('they exist' means 'they are').
'to make a statement' becomes 'say' (I've seen this in another clue).
'id'+'are'+'say'='I DARESAY'

'that' is the link.

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(Other definitions for i daresay that I've seen before include "Maybe" , "Probably" , "Methinks it's likely that" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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