Iceland's Left-Green party head says ready to rule

by Kim McLaughlin

REYKJAVIK (Reuters) - The leader of Iceland's biggest opposition party wants to renegotiate the terms for the country's $10 billion (7 billion pound) IMF-crafted aid package if his party wins an early election the current government plans to hold in May.

Steingrimur Sigfusson, Chairman of the Left-Green Party told Reuters in an interview he wanted elections as soon as possible and that he was prepared to become prime minister if his party wins enough support, as recent polls suggest they will.

"Now the people of Iceland have already experienced what some of these conditions mean, so I think we would be supported by many to try and reopen negotiations with the IMF to at least adjust these programmes better to Icelandic needs and circumstances," he said.

Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde, under growing pressure from a financial collapse that has led to violent protests, announced on Friday he was stepping down and wanted an early election to be held on May 9.

(Reporting by Kim McLaughlin)