BERTIE AHERN
Fianna Fail
The pros: a proven vote-getter and excellent campaigner, with a 100% record in general elections. His Dublin base will be critical, given the election will be won and lost in the capital.

Hugely experienced . . . next week he becomes the second longest-serving Taoiseach in the history of the state . . .

he can point to a decade of sustained economic success under his leadership. In terms of political strategy and cunning, definitely has the edge on the other four.

The cons: After so long in power, familiarity may breed contempt. Has a reputation for being something of a ditherer. Open to the charge that his government has failed to use the resources of the boom to provide firstrate infrastructure and services.

ENDA KENNY
Fine Gael
The pros: Hugely personable and can match Ahern on the campaign trail.

A very savvy operator and, although a genuinely nice man, has the requisite tough streak. Restored the fortunes of a party that looked finished after 2002 and for the first time in years, the party is united.

Has installed a good team of people around him and there will be no repeat of mistakes that so damaged Fine Gael in the run-up to the last general election.

The cons: Rural background hardly an asset with an increasingly urbanised electorate. With just two-and-half years as a cabinet minister, he cannot hope to match Ahern's appeal as a statesman . . .

his front bench, with a couple of exceptions, is also inexperienced.

Hasn't been convincing in interviews when dealing with heavyweight policy issues.

MICHAEL McDOWELL
Progressive Democrats
The pros: A formidable intellect, he is one of the brightest people in politics. Despite being a barrister, born and bred in Dublin 2/4, he is a populist with a skill for tapping into the way the wider electorate is thinking (eg, the citizenship referendum). Full of energy and ideas, the last general election showed he is also a very good campaigner. While he can infuriate, he brings a sharp edge to the PDs that can appeal to many voters.

The cons: Has shown very poor judgment at times and can be prone to emotional responses, when cold, calculated thinking is required.

While a good debater, his desire to win every argument . . . no matter how irrelevant . . . gets him into trouble.

PAT RABBITTE
The Labour Party
The pros: Another smart cookie and political heavyweight, he is the master of the soundbite and humourous putdown. He may not be the darling of the Labour left, but he has brought a single-mindedness and streak of ruthlessness to the party that it sometimes lacked (eg, his comments on immigration and hardline stance on government with Fianna Fail). Won't be in the least intimidated by McDowell in any battle of the would-be Tanaistithe.

The cons: As was famously pointed out by one his colleagues, his best-boy-in-the-class routine can come across as too clever and pompous. Electorate probably doesn't see enough of the more engaging, easygoing side of his personality. Arguably, too Dailfocused and isn't out pounding pavements enough.

TREVOR SARGENT
The Green Party
The pros: Walks the green walk, Sargent's idealism, sincerity and commitment to the cause can't be doubted. Has sharpened up his image somewhat. With Green issues becoming centrestage and the election finely balanced, he might just have the one attribute that all politicians need above all: luck . . . being in the right place at the right time.

The cons: The polls show he simply hasn't grabbed the imagination of the electorate yet . . . possibly lacks a common touch. Needs to marry cold political pragmatism with his idealism.