The Ministry of Home Affairs has denied reports that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg travels to the Island with armed guards.

The New York Times reported earlier this week that Mr. Bloomberg travels to Bermuda with two officers who have special permission to carry weapons.

According to the story, the officers stay in a hotel near the Mayor's Tucker's Town home at a cost of $400 a night while the city of New York pays their salaries.

The Bermuda Police refused to comment on the Mayor's security detail. A Ministry of Home Affairs spokeswoman said Mayor Bloomberg's officers never carry weapons.

"Please be advised that the security detail does not carry guns while in Bermuda," she said. "And it would highly inappropriate for the Ministry to comment further on the Mayor's security."

Yesterday the Mayor's office would only confirm that he travels to the Island.

Press representative Stu Loeser said: "We never comment on the details of the Mayor's security, we won't confirm or deny the proposition that the Mayor travels with two armed guards when visiting Bermuda."

The article, which appeared on the front page of Monday's New York Times, detailed Mayor Michael Bloomberg's movements on the Island from eating at Greg's Steakhouse to golfing at Mid Ocean Club.

Mayor Bloomberg has been a resident on the Island since he bought a Tucker's Town property in 1998 and built a $10 million house on it.

Premier Ewart Brown has worked closely with Mayor Bloomberg in the past. Dr. Brown, who was offered assistance by the New York Police Department in coping with gang-related violence on the Island, said such reports were intrusive.

"One of the reasons that high-profile persons choose to live in Bermuda is our willingness to leave them alone," he said.

"The more we pry into their private lives in the interest of the so-called 'public's right to know', the sooner they will leave Bermuda. And it will not be because of term limits."

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Sen. Michael Dunkley is president of the Mid Ocean Club where Mayor Bloomberg regularly plays golf. He dismissed the armed guards report.

"I think we are making a mountain out of a molehill," he said. "I would assume there would have to be clearance from the Bermuda Police Service every time a request is made to travel with armed security.

"I would assume that every time Mayor Bloomberg comes down for personal time this would not be necessary or required.

"We should respect the Mayor's privacy in the times he comes down to the Island and enjoys the amenities that we have to offer."

Yesterday, Police spokesman Robin Simmons said: "The Bermuda Police Service does not comment on the security arrangements of overseas dignitaries."

And he referred to the Bermuda Firearms Act 1973, which states that the Commissioner of Police is the only person able to give clearance.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney deferred all decisions on weapons and foreign dignitaries to the Police Service.

He said: "The question of the security and protection of senior foreign visitors making private visits to Bermuda is an operational matter for the Bermuda Police Service.

"I would only get involved if the Bermuda Police felt a need to consult me, which they have not, and that's fine."