It seems we really are living in a nanny state, as well-to-do British families are opting to hire Irish nannies over any other nationality.

Jenny Campbell, manager of Dublin-based Executive Nannies, says, "People want Irish nannies because of the Irish personality. They are easy-going, tend to fit in easily and are good fun."

In fact business is so good for Executive Nannies, who can count 9 out of ten of the nannies on their books as Irish, that they are opening a London branch of their agency to meet demands.

A fully qualified 'Grade A' nanny can earn up to €1000 per week as well as benefits, and with these career nannies racking up qualifications such as BAs in Early Childhood Studies on their CVs, as well as a good work ethic and longevity, it's no wonder that Irish nannies have their pick of jobs.

So forget Mary Poppins with her perfectly posh English accent and stiff upper lip, it seems having a bit of Irish charm is the spoon full of sugar for British families.

Extract from U Magazine, May 2008.