ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that propaganda for state security was crucial in building a functioning democracy and creating a peaceful state, cast in the image of the nation. An exploration of propaganda for the defence forces and An Garda Siochana indicates the importance that successive governments attached to security and defence. Proof of the success in securing the state was that no further armed conflict erupted after the Civil War ended, although the threat of strife simmered constantly. The Civil War army of 50,000 troops was promoted as an instrument of the state, bound to secure its peace and deserving public support. Cumann na nGaedheal created an image of the state with which citizens could identify, and institutions like the Garda were to the fore in this mix of propaganda and state-building. Few propaganda symbols are as pervasive as those adopted by the masses for benefit, and issuing new coinage to communicate wealth was good propaganda for Cumann na nGaedheal.
