EXHIBIT 23.1


             CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
   Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the registration of 3,500,000
   shares of common stock for the Rubbermaid Retirement Plan for
   Collectively Bargained Associates of our report dated January 27,
   2003, with respect to the 2002 consolidated financial statements and
   schedule of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form
   10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities
   and Exchange Commission.

   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
   Chicago, Illinois
   May 12, 2003