Exhibit 23(a)

            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 Supplement of Citizens
Funding Trust I for the registration of  Enhanced Trust Preferred Securities and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 24,
2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Citizens Banking
Corporation, Citizens Banking Corporation management's assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Citizens Banking
Corporation, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

September 19, 2006
Detroit, Michigan