The main political parties will begin an intensive series of candidate selection conventions in less than a fortnight's time to ensure they are prepared in the event of a surprise early general election.
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour say they plan to have almost all their candidates for the 42 Dáil constituencies chosen by Christmas, despite the Taoiseach's insistence that there will not be an election until 2007.
Fine Gael is understood to have already prepared a detailed draft itinerary for a nationwide election tour by the party leader.
The parties will shortly make important strategic decisions in key constituencies that will affect the election outcome. For example Fianna Fáil's losing candidate in this year's Kildare North by-election Áine Brady is set to become the party's front runner in the constituency in the next general election campaign after Charlie McCreevy jnr announced that he will not seek a nomination.
High-profile Progressive Democrats Senator Tom Morrissey is to move constituency and stand in Dublin North.
Labour, meanwhile, will hold a selection convention on September 15th to choose a replacement candidate for its retiring TD Seán Ryan. So far six contenders are seeking the nomination.
Fianna Fáil's chances of taking two seats in Kildare North have been damaged by Mr McCreevy's withdrawal. The 27-year-old son of Ireland's EU commissioner told local media of his decision last week, but did not rule out standing at some future point.
The constituency will move from being a three-seat constituency to a four-seat one at the next general election.
Ms Brady topped the poll in the by-election last March but was overtaken on transfers by Independent Catherine Murphy.
A sister of Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt, she was seen as having performed well. Others expected to seek a Fianna Fáil nomination are Clane-based county councillor Michael Fitzpatrick, who came second at the selection convention for the by-election, and Naas councillors Willie Callaghan and Anthony Creevey.
Senator Morrissey's move from Dublin West reflects the highly competitive nature of that three-seat constituency. Sitting TDs Brian Lenihan (Fianna Fáil) Joe Higgins (Socialist) and Joan Burton (Labour) will be challenged by Fine Gael's impressive local election performer Leo Vardakar and by Sinn Féin.