Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Textron 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan of our report dated January 26, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Textron Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 2, 1999 and the related financial statement schedules included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/Ernst & Young LLP Boston, Massachusetts May 10, 1999