Exhibit 23.0









                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT




The Board of Directors
First Sentinel Bancorp, Inc.:


We consent to  incorporation  by reference in the  Registration  Statements  No.
333-85039,  No.  333-72057  and No.  333-73237  on Form S-8, of our report dated
January 18, 2002, relating to the consolidated statements of financial condition
of First Sentinel  Bancorp,  Inc. and  Subsidiaries  as of December 31, 2001 and
2000 and the related consolidated  statements of income,  stockholders'  equity,
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2001,  which report is incorporated by reference in the December 31, 2001 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of First Sentinel Bancorp, Inc.




                                            KPMG LLP




Short Hills, New Jersey
March 29, 2002