I don't think the parties have any choice but to present the image of being altruistic. After all, most people would (understandably) rather have their leaders say "We'll give you good things" rather than "We'll give you what you deserve". That is, I believe altruism is what's given lip-service rather than individualism. Anyways, parties have no direct control over the philosophies that people choose to follow; their motive in the matter is simply to run a nation that has high living standards. This is best accomplished by individual incentives and competition, which is why I think they will always fundamentally support independence rather than altruism.