<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>l95116aexv23w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-62047) pertaining to the Newell Rubbermaid 401(k) Savings Plan of our
report dated June 14, 2002, with respect to the financial statements of the
Newell Rubbermaid 401(k) Savings Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K)
for the year ended December 31, 2001.


June 28, 2002                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Ernst & Young LLP

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>