Russian Wicklow election candidate to seek ‘balance and transparency’

Russian Arklow resident Viktoria Bodley has announced her campaign as an independent candidate in the Arklow Electoral Area ahead of the upcoming June local elections.

Originally from Moscow, Viktoria made Ireland her home at 19 when she arrived in Dublin in 2003 to start an English language course at Swan Training Institute on Grafton Street, where she would get her CELT (International Language Qualification) years later.

In 2006, she graduated from Griffith College Dublin (Bachelor of Arts), having already obtained a Specialist Degree in International Oil and Gas business (First Honors) from the State University of Management in Moscow.

Her multi-faceted career has taken her into the world of jewellery and gems, where Viktoria says reputation and respect are very important qualities when dealing with people from different walks of life, enabling her to “learn how to listen and hear on different levels and in different languages, while achieving set goals and objectives”.

“I’m a proud wife of my late husband Frank Bodley, the love of my life, who taught me how to go after your dream, and whose work I would like to continue,” Viktoria said.

“Ireland has been my spiritual home for years, and now it’s payback time. After all the love and care I have received over the years, I would love to give back to the people of Ireland, starting in Wicklow!

“Fair play and balance, transparency, and clear communication at all levels with sincere love and care is the only way forward.

“I love people. They are footprints of God, and as a speaker of seven languages with a multicultural and multilingual background, I’ve met and taught about 20 different nationalities over the years and become a fair channel of communication between local communities and different interest groups.”

Viktoria, who has taught English as a foreign language at Dorset Collège Dublin, coordinates the Italian language programme at BIFE (Bray Institute of Further Education) and strongly believes that people are at the heart of every decision to create a community that has a lasting value.

“According to the Census survey, Arklow has 30 nationalities,” she continued.

“It’s truly a multicultural community, and I feel I can make a difference with local issues for the people of southern Wicklow. It’s time to hear fresh voices and bring different perspectives into the council chamber.

“I will be a truly independent, strong voice for the concerns of locals on issues, no matter how big or small.

Viktoria has taken an active role in many community groups in Arklow, including Arklow bridge clubs (Apollo, Arklow, Arklow 68), the Templerainey church choir, Conradh na Gaeilge (opening branch in Arklow) and Woodenbridge Golf Club.

Outlining the areas she would like to focus on if elected, Viktoria said that a culture centre, safety and accessibility upgrades and increased access to public amenities are among her top priorities.

“Arklow is well known for its incredible musical talent, and we need a venue for our artists,” she proclaimed.

“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. We need to make Arklow a destination, not passing through town.

“As a linguist and memory coach, I’m convinced that brain health is vitally important for the wellbeing of all of us. I’ve experienced Dementia in my own family, so I truly believe in promoting language learning and playing bridge for all ages to improve quality of life.

“I would focus on the safety and well-being of our community in terms of access to the house estates, as some of the newly built estates only have one access, one road and one way in and out, in the long run, that might create challenges for emergency vehicles as well as unnecessary risks for the local residents.

“Every house has at least two exits, so it’s only logical to make sure there is proper access to the house estates, especially in times of emergency. Public safety is the priority,” she added.

“A pitch and putt ground would be a fantastic amenity for people of all age groups, especially for our seniors to practise their swing and socialise. This space will be ideal for the spirit of the community.”

Asked why Arklow MD residents should vote for her, Viktoria replied: “I have a clear vision and viable business plan!

“I’m a strong communicator with an open mind approach who truly cares about our people and will make our community grow and flourish.

“An independent voice to fight for you – is féidir linn le chéile!”

Viktoria is among more than 10 candidates declared to run for election to Wicklow County Council in the Arklow Electoral Area, which has six seats available. She is up against the six incumbents, as well as a host of new and emerging candidates.

Keep up to date with the latest Wicklow local elections news in our guide.

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.