Artificial unity can be counterproductive too
Good governance isn't about making concessions or back-room deals whenever the whips cannot control of rebellion for the sake of a show of unity. Good governance should be about setting a consensus that reflects the will of the people, and therefore their representatives in Parliament.
From a comment by Andrew McEwan:
"Whips can erode democracy & the power of Parliament.
Andrew McEwan (6/22/2009 4:01:00 PM GMT)
It is true that apparent disunity can damage a party's ability to govern. However, by eroding the power of members to represent their constituents, whips erode the possibility of full and frank debate. Good governance isn't about making concessions or back-room deals whenever the whips cannot control of rebellion for the sake of a show of unity. Good governance should be about setting a consensus that reflects the will of the people, and therefore their representatives in Parliament."