Exhibit 23


            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration  Statements
(Form S-8 No.  333-102653 and Form S-8 No.  333-65789)  pertaining to the Dollar
General  Corporation 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan of our report dated June
4, 2004,  with respect to the  financial  statements  and schedule of the Dollar
General  Corporation  401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan included in this Annual
Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003.

                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
June 22, 2004