Politics was described by Aristotle as ‘of, for, or relating to citizens’. In more modern terms, the definition of politics is ‘the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power’. But is the practice of politics really about providing for the citizen, as envisaged in the Greek meaning, or has the game of politics become an end in itself? And, in the game of politics, is winning the ultimate aim, even if this requires sacrifice of principles?