The boss of Goldman Sachs claimed yesterday that bankers were doing ‘God’s work’.

Lloyd Blankfein is the latest money man to defend bumper bank bonuses, suggesting a return to massive profits should be welcomed.

However, the chief executive of the Wall Street firm admitted people were ‘p***** off, mad and bent out of shape’ as a result of bankers’ actions.

He also acknowledged: ‘I could slit my wrists and people would cheer.’

Mr Blankfein made his comments just 12 months after bankers brought the world’s economy to the brink of collapse.

He said modern banking performed a vital function and described himself as just a banker ‘doing God’s work’.

‘We’re very important. We help companies to grow by helping them to raise capital. Companies that grow create wealth. This, in turn, allows people to have jobs that create more growth and more wealth. We have a social purpose.’

The bank provoked anger last month by revealing it planned to lavish a record £13.4billion in pay and bonuses on its staff.

Around 5,500 of its employees work in London and are in line to receive an average £440,000 each following a sharp rise in profits.

Mr Blankfein’s comments will embarrass Chancellor Alistair Darling and City minister Lord Myners, who had promised to slam the brakes on corporate excess.

It will also enrage credit-starved business after taxpayers were forced to pay the £37billion bill to bail out the banks.

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I’m not sure what passes as miracles these days but Paulson & Company have about as much of a shot at sainthood as OJ Simpson.

LEX