Citizens Funding Trust II S-3 Shelf registration

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc., and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 27, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan

October 27, 2009