At least you agree with the concept of representative democracy (as opposed to direct democracy, where there is no parliament).

In such a situation, political parties are essential. Obviously they're a necessary part of the mechanism of proportional representation. But even in other systems (like those of the USA and the UK), a broad power base must be formed for stable government. Most of the business of legislature is routine; the Government must be able to pass these motions through parliament efficiently. If each MP were a lone wolf, it would be almost impossible to arrange a coalition.

So while a two party system (as in the USA and, to a lesser extent, the UK) may be objectionable, the party system itself is not. Bear in mind that countries with many small parties (such as Italy and, unfortunately, Israel in recent years) suffer a great deal of political instability. It's just too hard to keep a coalition together without the common thread that a (large) party provides.

Partly to counter the trend expressed by gkAndy, many political parties today are searching for ways to become less ideologically homogeneous.