FORMER Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch has returned to politics, running for LNP preselection for his old seat and claiming he could start the job again tomorrow.

Mr Entsch, who retired from the seat in 2007 after 12 years holding a 10 per cent margin, said it was a difficult decision for him to make.

Pictures: Warren Entsch's political career

Fronting media yesterday Mr Entsch, 59, revealed he had only made the final decision on Monday to re-enter the race.

"There are just too many things happening in this city at the moment, I feel I have no choice but to throw my hat into the ring," Mr Entsch said.

"We’ve got Labor at every level: local, federal and state, yet on serious issues that are having an impact on this community, they are one thing in unison – they are mute."

Mr Entsch will go up against small business owner Jen Sackley and North Queensland Fire Protection managing director Richard Gibbins for pre-selection, with the LNP’s Leichhardt candidate to be announced on Saturday.

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Mr Entsch cited frustration with the Rudd Government, especially "inept" handling of massive debt, record unemployment levels and an ongoing loss of industries as his motivation to get back on the campaign trail.

His return to politics has been the source of much anguish among local LNP members in past weeks, with some blaming his retirement on allowing Labor to claim Leichhardt in the 2007 election.

Mr Entsch’s successor, his former adviser Charlie Mc-Killop, was defeated by sitting Labor member Jim Turnour.

But Mr Entsch said he had no regrets about retiring, claiming he had needed to spend more time with his family.

"It’s also given me an opportunity to live in the community and see some of the things that we’ve effected during our time in government, and reflect on them," he said.

"Coming back with my experience, I don’t need a year or two to see how the system works. I could start tomorrow."

Mr Turnour saluted his old sparring partner, but questioned Mr Entsch’s commitment following the drawn-out decision to stand for pre-selection.

"I’d welcome the opportunity to put my record of delivering for the electorate over my first term against Warren Entsch’s 12 years of representation," Mr Turnour said.

"If you look at what we are doing in roads and education, we’ve done a lot in one term as opposed to Warren Entsch’s 12 years."

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