Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Independent Auditors
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-49233) pertaining to the Richmond County Savings Bank 401(k) Savings
Plan in RSI Retirement Trust (the "Plan") of our report dated August 11, 2000,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Richmond County
Financial Corp., included in the Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2000.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
September 28, 2000
