Washington: Consumer advocate Ralph Nader today (Feb 22, 2004) announced his decision to run again for the Presidency as an independent candidate in a development widely believed to benefit incumbent George W Bush.

"I've decided to run as an independent candidate for President," Nader, 70, a Green Party candidate in the 2000 Presidential polls told NBC television's "Meet the Press" programme.

Democrats fear it is good news for President Bush. In the last election in a close race between Bush and the Democratic nominee Al Gore, Nader weaned away crucial votes, which Gore had expected to win. They predict a tight fight in November polls also.

However, Nader refused to give a clear reply when asked about the impact of his foray on Bush's fortunes.

Asked whether he would withdraw if he concluded his candidacy would merely ensure President Bush's re-election, Nader said, "When and if that eventuality occurs, you can invite me back on the program and I'll give you the answer."

On whether he was getting into the race to be a spoiler, Nader said, "A spoiler is a contemptuous term, as if anybody who dares to challenge the two party system is a spoiler, and we've got to fight that. You can't do that from the outside, you've got to fight that from the inside as well."

Nader said Washington had become a "corporate occupied territory" and argued there is too little difference between the Democratic and Republican parties.