Exhibit 23-1(a) Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP [KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP LETTERHEAD] Board of Directors Republic First Bancorp, Inc. 1608 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 Ladies and Gentlemen: We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP July 21, 1998 Philadelphia, PA