Exhibit 23
Consent

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Northway Financial, Inc. of our report dated January 21, 2005, relating to
the consolidated statements of financial condition of Northway Financial, Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, comprehensive income and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2004.

                                         /S/ Shatswell, Macleod & Company, P.C.
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         SHATSWELL, MacLEOD & COMPANY, P.C.

West Peabody, Massachusetts
March 29, 2005