Just when you thought you could not stomach another week of election fever, barman Chris McGregor has come up with a way of making it easier to swallow.

Canadian Chris 22, has devised political cocktails which he believes sum up the party leaders.

After a few days with recipe books and a cocktail shaker, he has perfected a Major's Blowout, Blair's Bomb, Salmond's Leap, and Paddy's Picnic.

Chris cannot vote, despite having dual nationality courtesy of his Scots father. ''But so many customers at my bar, Chicago Meat Packers in Glasgow, wanted to talk about the election I had to reply somehow.''

Major's Blowout is a half gin, half blue curacao, with a twist of lemon. Blair's Bomb is a stiffer drink - a white zambucca, tequila, and Tabasco. Ashdown's Picnic is a half measure of stregga and half of Polish vodka. Salmond's Leap is a coffee Caluth liqueur, and orange.

True to form, Margaret Thatcher has managed to get an oar in with Thatcher's Revenge. ''Her name came up so often that we made one for her, and the Monster Raving Looney Party,'' Chris added.

''Thatcher's revenge is more a woman's drink with a shot of Bailey's and lime cordial. The Monster drink is a straight green Chartreuse which must be savoured for 30 seconds before swallowing. Two shots of that and you're ready to vote for anyone.''

The cocktails are true to the party colours. For historians, there is Betty's Brainstorm, which is a tribute the fiery Speaker Betty Boothroyd. It is a peach schnapps, Bailey's, and syrup de fraisse.

Meat Packers manager, Mr Tim Gibson, said: ''We thought that the stiffer drinks would be more popular with guys. We get a lot of the American football team in here. But they are almost as popular with the ladies.

''Major's Blowout could prove to be a winner, too. Salmond's Leap could be more palatable after dinner.''