EXHIBIT 23 (b)


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration  Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-36310, 33-80240, 33-80288, 33-45354 and 333-67242 and Form S-3
Nos. 333-64692,  333-100243,  333-84530, as amended) of Swift Energy Company and
in the related Prospectus of our report dated February 10, 2003, with respect to
the consolidated  financial  statements of Swift Energy Company included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002.



                                            /s/  Ernst & Young LLP



Houston, Texas
March 21, 2003