1 Exhibit 23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-93390) pertaining to the Zurich Reinsurance Centre, Inc. (ZRC) 401(k) Plan of our report dated June 23, 1997, with respect to the financial statements and schedules of the Zurich Reinsurance Centre, Inc. (ZRC) 401(k) Plan included in the Plan's Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996. /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Stamford, Connecticut June 26, 1997 20