ONE of the best discoveries I made during the Glasgow East by-election was Daddyo’s, the American-style burger joint in Shettleston Road, less than a minute’s walk from Labour’s Shettleston committee rooms. Having a conveniently located cafe is essential to the troops’ morale in any campaign, and the proprietor and head cook, George, must have done a brisk trade every day of the campaign, supplying formidable-looking burgers to tired and hungry canvassers.

George is from New Jersey (long story) and has brought some welcome US style to the East End. My particular favourite menu item was a Wild Wild West Burger, which was basically a burger with lots of everything, including about half a cow, bacon, cheese and fried onions. A colleague caused some amusement when, having ordered a “triple” burger of some sort, was actually surprised to receive three very large burgers sandwiched between the bread. I would have thought the clue was in the title.

I was about to write that there wasn’t a lot on offer for vegetarians, but he does do a mean cheese and onion roll.

So, thanks to George and his staff, all of whom were brilliant and friendly and caused us to sit there for far longer than we should have. Whatever tonight’s result, we’ll always have the Wild Wild West.

From left: Charlie Gordon MSP, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty MP, George and me