The roe of parties is to try to shape society in a specific way. Winning elections is important as a way of avhieving that, otherwise the victories are pointless, except as a way of furthering the careers of the politicians involved, which is competely insignificant to everyone else.

Ending the war in Northern Ireland was a great achievement. We can be grateful that Tony Blair didn't prevent other people, notably Mo Mowlam, helping achieve that. Yes there were some positive things. But the overwhelming story of those ten years was a wasted opportunity and a betrayal of the hopes of those who voted him into power.