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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of
Triangle Bancorp, Inc. on Form S-4 (File No. 333-      ) of our report dated
January 20, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of
Triangle Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which report has been
included in Triangle Bancorp, Inc.'s 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and, our
report dated October 30, 1997 on our audit of the supplemental consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996, giving retroactive effect to the
merger consummated October 2, 1997, which report has been included in the Form
8K dated October 31, 1997. We also consent to the reference to our firm under
the caption "Experts."


                                        /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                        Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Raleigh, North Carolina
October 31, 1997