'A male carer can be just as safe, caring, and responsible': Would you hire a male nanny? 

Jonathan deBurca Butler looks at the advantages of having a manny — and the reasons why they're a rare breed

Fiona O'Carroll with her sons Felix, 14, Eli 12, Isaac 8, and Dexter 6 with Aitor their mannie who is originally from Spain. Picture: Moya Nolan

International Nannies Week was celebrated recently and if ever there was a profession worth lauding, it’s this one. 

Every sticky, finger-squished chocolate biscuit, or slobbery kiss our hard-working nannies get is fully deserved. As they celebrate, there is a minority among their number who might be slightly more muted, particularly in Ireland. The male nanny, or “manny” as they are known, is a rare sight on these shores and it might be time we saw more of them.