Make reparations for following United? (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

atone for

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'make reparations for following united?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'for following united?' is the wordplay.
'following' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'united?' becomes 'atone' ('at one' can mean connected or united).
'for' put after 'atone' is 'ATONE FOR'.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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