HINDSIGHT, the saying goes, is 20-20 vision. But it is the gift of foresight that is required to imagine what politics will be like in the year 2020. Ten years is an eternity in politics and trying to predict who will still be around in 2020 is a hazardous business. A decade ago, the PDs were heading for a fine general election result, while Fine Gael was looking at a meltdown that threatened its very future. Today, the former have gone out of business while the latter is poised to take over in government. Fast forward another decade and a whole series of scenarios that we could never have envisaged are likely to have occurred.

Will Fianna Fáil's traditional dominance have come to an end? Will Sinn Féin have finally made it to government? Will the Greens have a Dáil presence? Will Labour have broken out of their traditional strongholds? Will there be a woman Taoiseach? Nobody can know the answers to those questions and it's incredibly difficult trying to predict what parties will be in government by the end of this decade.

Events unforeseen will shape the decade and it could be any two, three or even four from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, the Greens, Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party, any number of independents or even a new party.

But notwithstanding all the difficulties, we thought it might be a fun exercise to peer into a political crystal ball to imagine who might be shaping politics in 2020. To overcome the impossibility of predicting who will be coalescing with whom, we've gone for two distinct coalition options: the current FF/Green combination and the alternative government-in-waiting: FG/Labour, with an additional list of possible Sinn Féin aspirants, should either combination require another party to make up the numbers.

Obviously considerable caveats apply: events can, of course, conspire against individual politicians and not just political parties. If we'd been writing this piece a month or two ago, George Lee would likely have made the list of would-be Fine Gael ministers, but clearly he won't be part of a Fine Gael government now even if it is formed in the next 10 weeks.

But based on our best guesstimate – and hands in the air, it is just a guesstimate – this is what your government could look like in 2020. It's the political version of 20-20 vision.

Fianna Fáil-Green coalition

14 Fianna Fáil ministers, one Green cabinet minister, one Green super-junior and a FF Chief Whip

* Taoiseach, Brian Lenihan (Dublin West)

Lenihan got the plaudits for taking the tough decisions which finally brought order to the public finances and the banking system. It wasn't enough to save Fianna Fáil from defeat in the 2012 general election, but it ensured Lenihan succeeded Brian Cowen as party leader and after a long stretch, by Fianna Fáil standards, on the opposition benches, the Dublin West deputy becomes Taoiseach.

* Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mary Hanafin (Dun Laoghaire)

A political veteran at this stage but her communication skills make her indispensable for the government.

* Minister for Finance, Dara Calleary (Mayo)

Marked out for great things from early on, the articulate and savvy Calleary is seen as the likely successor to Lenihan.

* Minister for Justice and Defence, Niall Collins (Limerick County)

Steeped in Fianna Fáil tradition, Collins' no-nonsense approach is perfectly suited to this department.

* Minister for Health, Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan)

Bright and personable, Conlon is an obvious selection for the tricky health portfolio.

* Minister for Social Affairs, Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North)

Streetwise and a good media performer, O'Brien is the main Fianna Fáil man north of the Liffey.

* Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Timmy Dooley (Clare)

Was a key strategist and member of the Fianna Fáil front bench during its spell in opposition.

* Minister for Employment and Innovations, Billy Kelleher (Cork North-Central)

Finally makes it to cabinet after previous spells as a junior minister and his background makes this the obvious portfolio.

* Minister for Economic Planning and Local Government, Michael McGrath (Cork South-Central)

Now Mr Fianna Fáil in Cork, this key role makes him a future leadership contender.

* Minister for Trade and Tourism, Sean Connick (Wexford)

Had a spell as junior minister between 2010 and 2012. Very positive public profile as a straight speaker.

* Minister for Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Drugs Strategy, Mary FitzPatrick (Dublin Central)

Finally got elected to the Dáil in Dublin Central in 2012, her work ethic and determination wins her a spot in cabinet.

* Minister for Infrastructure (Incorporating Environment, Energy and Transport), Trevor Sargent (Dublin North)

Survived the backlash against the Greens in 2012 and held his seat in subsequent elections. Despite a lot of miles on the clock politically, retains a huge commitment to the Green cause.

* Minister for Communications, Conor Lenihan (Dublin South-West)

The younger brother of the Taoiseach is by now a political veteran and a straightforward choice for an area he knows better than anyone in politics.

* Minister for Education and The Smart Economy, Niall Blaney (Donegal North-East)

A Blaney at the cabinet table for the first time in half a century, the Donegal man's calm and steady manner is well regarded by Lenihan.

* Minister for the Public Sector, Thomas Byrne (Meath East)

Another of the 2007 crop of first-time deputies to make good, the Meath man is seen as highly competent.

* Chief Whip, James Carroll (Louth)

Bright and ambitious, Carroll solved Fianna Fáil's age-old problem in Drogheda and his ability demanded a place at the cabinet table.

* Super Junior with Responsibility for Climate Change Policy, Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid-West)

His work on the ground helped him retain his seat at every election in Dublin Mid-West and his experience makes him the obvious choice to sit at cabinet alongside Sargent.

Dark Horses

* Averil Power (Dublin North-East)

Her solid performance on a very bad day for Fianna Fáil in the locals last year and her knowledge of government from working with Mary Hanafin makes her one to watch.

* John Regan (Roscommon)

Major player in developing policy in Ogra Fianna Fáil, Regan is tipped for a bright future.

* Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North-East)

Previously a political organiser in Fianna Fáil HQ, the history and politics UCD graduate is a councillor in Donegal and a future Dáil candidate.

* Mark Daly (Kerry South)

The current senator is seen as the man likely to take over from John O'Donoghue.

* James Nix (Limerick City)

One of the new breed of Greens, with qualifications in law, planning and transport, he co-authored Chaos at the Crossroads with the Irish Times journalist Frank McDonald.

* Gary FitzGerald (Dublin)

Made his name over Nama and the Willie O'Dea resignation. If the Greens are to have a future, they need to get the likes of him elected.

Fine Gael-Labour Coalition

Nine Fine gael ministers, six labour ministers, one fine gael super junior and a fine gael chief whip

* Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (Dublin West)

First elected 13 years ago, Varadkar was seen as a loose cannon during some of his earlier media appearances, but he quickly matured as a politician. Highly intelligent with an excellent grasp of all the issues, he garnered the respect of those who doubted his temperament before he became leader of Fine Gael while still in his 30s.

* Tánaiste and Minister for Employment and Innovation, Sean Sherlock (Cork East)

Obvious leadership material since being elected in 2007, he was the unanimous choice to succeed Eamon Gilmore. Excellent common touch and a sharp intellect. This portfolio should suit his image as a moderniser.

* Minister for Finance, Brian Hayes (Dublin South-West)

Another who has matured from his early days as a TD. Excellent TV performer, he isn't overawed by the responsibilities of the finance portfolio.

* Minister for Justice and Defence, Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City)

Initially showed his mettle when he upped his game to outshine RTÉ Den TV presenter George Lee during the latter's stint in the Dáil in 2009-10. Has emerged as a huge vote getter in Limerick. A senior figure in the party now.

* Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney (Cork South Central)

Earnest and thoughtful politician whose easy manner makes him ideally suited to foreign affairs.

* Minister for Health, Olwyn Enright (Laois/Offaly)

By now a seasoned politician, she was one of the first names on Varadkar's team sheet.

* Minister for Social Affairs, Rebecca Moynihan (Dublin South Central)

Part of the talented group of young women dubbed 'the Gilmore Girls' that emerged for Labour in Dublin in the 2009 local elections, she's the first of them to make it to cabinet.

* Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Paul Kehoe (Wexford)

No-nonsense and highly efficient operator. His farming background makes him the obvious choice for this portfolio.

* Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Ivana Bacik (Dun Laoghaire)

The Trinity College law professor finally secured a Dáil seat in Dun Laoghaire. With her background, an obvious choice for the equality and law reform portfolio.

* Minister for Trade and Tourism, Ciaran Lynch (Cork South Central)

One of the canniest operators in the Dáil. Lynch has become one of the most influential figures in the Labour party.

* Minister for Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Drugs Strategy, Joe McHugh (Donegal North-East)

Performed well as a junior minister in Enda Kenny's government, McHugh now joins Olwyn Enright in cabinet, making them the first ever husband and wife team at the table.

* Minister for Infrastructure (Incorporating Environment, Energy and Transport), Denis Naughten (Roscommon/South Leitrim)

The Fine Gael stalwart was the youngest TD in the Dáil when first elected in 1997, and he has managed to hold his seat since then. Now a veteran, his experience is well regarded.

* Minister for Communications, Damien English (Meath West)

Almost Fianna Fáil-esque in his constituency organisation. Ambitious and confident in his own abilities.

* Minister for Education and The Smart Economy, Aodhan O Riordain (Dublin North Central)

After starting out teaching in the disadvantaged Sheriff Street area of the north inner city, Ó Ríordáin is a perfect fit for the education portfolio.

* Minister for the Public Sector and Local Government, Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East)

After over a decade as a councilor on Dublin City Council, Humphreys bided his time before taking over from former party leader Ruairi Quinn in a by-election after Quinn was elected Dublin Mayor. His broad experience on the council leave him the best equipped minister to take this reform-driven portfolio.

* Chief Whip, Michael D'Arcy (Wexford)

A rock of sense and a calm and considered politician, D'Arcy would be perfect for keeping the troops in line in the chief whip role.

* Super Junior with Responsibility for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East)

Has made the tough Dublin South East seat her own in consecutive elections since she emerged on the scene in 2007. Her expertise in all matters to do with the EU make her a shoo-in for the new European Affairs role.

Dark Horses

* John Deasy (Waterford)

Too much ability to be left on the backbenches.

* Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East)

Very able, although sharing a constituency with the more experienced Lucinda Creighton may not work in his favour.

* Martin Hayden (Kildare South)

If Fine Gael is going to be in government next time around, it will have to win a seat in Alan Dukes' old stomping ground. It will and Hayden, selected as a candidate since last November, is well regarded in party headquarters.

* Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central)

His affability and extraordinary work rate will see his star in the party rise.

* Arthur Spring (Kerry North)

If Labour is ever to win back its seat in this constituency, it will have to be a Spring on the ballot paper.

* Ged Nash (Louth)

Could be the man to reclaim Michael Bell's old seat for Labour in Drogheda.

* Henry Upton (Dublin South Central)

Son of the late Pat, nephew of Mary. Impressive councillor, he will face stiff opposition to get on Labour general election ticket in this constituency in the future, but his surname and ability will help.

* Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin North East)

Seen as a potential successor to Tommy Broughan in the constituency.

They haven't gone away, you know – who'll be running Sinn FEin in 2020

* Aengus O'Snodaigh (Dublin South Central)

Given his relatively young age, should still be part of the leader­ship in 2010, if he holds his seat.

* Padraig MacLochlainn (Dublin North-East)

Excellent communicator. Performed well in Lisbon referendums and Euro elections. Definitely leadership material.

* Toireasa Ferris (Kerry North)

If she beats Arthur Spring for the third seat in the next general election, she will have high hopes of a cabinet seat should Sinn Féin get into government.

Dark Horses

* Mary Lou MacDonald (Dublin...)

Only ranked as a dark horse because it is difficult to see her winning a seat in Dublin Central. Obvious ability.

* Matt Carthy (Cavan/Monaghan)

A councillor since his teens, Carthy will replace Caoimhigin Ó Caoláin when he retires and is one of the party's best hopes for the future.

* Thomas Sharkey, (Louth)

Will fill the same role as Carthy in Cavan/Monaghan as he will take over from Arthur Morgan in Louth. Impressive councillor.

* Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West)

Only a dark horse for now but that will change if he manages to win the Donegal South West by-election. If he fails on his third attempt, questions will be asked even if he is one of the party's best young prospects.