Mr Williams is aiming for a seat in the Welsh Assembly

Mr Williams - who led the fuel blockades at Stanlow in Cheshire last September - said he was his "own person" and added that he wanted to be a champion for north Wales and rural issues.

His passionate rallying cry against high fuel prices became a focal point of the protests and made him a household name.

Mr Williams' conviction that farmers and hauliers have been hit hard by heavy duty on fuel remains undimmed and he has now been swayed by friends to consider a political career.

He said it was not possible to rule out further direct action over fuel prices by protesters, but admitted his days of direct action were now over.

The blockades saw forecourts running dry in days

"I would support it but some people might say I have seen the light and one has to work in the democratic system," said Williams.

"If I had the opportunity to stand (for the assembly) I would certainly take it. "I have discussed the idea with friends and an awful lot of people have suggested I do it.

He added: "We have got to have a stronger voice for north Wales and I believe the rural community has got to have a lot stronger voice. I am a farmer first and foremost and what is happening to the countryside is unbelievable.

"We have got to have a lot more honest-speaking people in the seats of government."

The cattle and sheep farmer from near Mold said he was prepared to take on the government again at the ballot box over fuel prices and what he called the import of "dirty meat".

Brynle Williams at the Stanlow Refinery blockade

The assembly already has two farmers among its numbers - Tories Glyn Davies and Peter Rogers.

Mr Williams added: "I am my own person, I don't have to account to anybody so I say what I think and it appears a lot of people agree with what I say."

Williams began his part in the fuel protests last year after his monthly bills rose by �80.

He remained in control of the two-week vigil at Stanlow, only returning to his Cilcain farm for one day to celebrate his 29th wedding anniversary.

As vice chairman of the Farmers' Union of Wales, Mr Williams also helped set up the more militant Farmers for Action.

And he was instrumental in organising mass demonstrations at Holyhead in north Wales three years ago over meat imports.

After disturbances with police resulted in the arrest of seven protesters, Mr Williams decreed that the violence should mark the end of the demonstrations.