The choice of a new ministry from a shrinking political gene pool is the most daunting task facing Prime Minister Julia Gillard as she tries to shuffle her government out of the chaos that enveloped it on Thursday and Friday.

Indeed, most names being bandied around Canberra as candidates to fill the gaping holes left by Simon Crean's sacking and a cascading series of senior frontbench resignations are all but unknown to most voters.

Yvette D'Ath, Senator Jan McLucas, Michael Danby, Helen Polley, Glenn Sterle, Bernie Ripoll, Shayne Neumann, Catherine King, David Feeney, Sharon Bird, Matt Thistlewaite.

All may have profiles within their own geographical areas, localised political bases or through pushing special interests, but they and others who may be placed in the frontbench mix have less than five months before the election campaign begins to get on top of their potential ministerial complexities and to gain some measure of reputation across the national stage.

More pressing still is for Gillard to juggle her choices to ensure she doesn't add to the bitter personal and political rivalries that have ripped apart her government.