CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                       ----------------------------------

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  registration  statement on
Form S-4 of our report dated  January 21, 1997,  on our audits of the  financial
statements  of  People's  Savings  Financial  Corp.  included in the 1996 Annual
Report to  Shareholders  which is incorporated by reference in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year  ended  December  31,  1996.  We also  consent  to the
reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."

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


Hartford, Connecticut
June 18, 1997


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