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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3 No. 333-88509) of Textron Financial Corporation and in the related
Prospectus of our report dated January 25, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Textron Financial Corporation included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 1, 2000.

                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 15, 2000