Robinson also hit out at those who he called “critics in the cheap seats”, or those who would seek to abuse politicians on social media.
“I salute those who have stood up to intimidation but nonetheless it has an impact and discourages people from coming forward for public service,” he added.
He said it seemed “disproportionately directed” towards women.
Robinson ended his remarks by saying that there were “boundless opportunities” to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland.
“We have something very special – for those who haven’t lived through dark days we now have people living in a shared society, with so much work yet to be done,” he said.
Asked if he believed he would live to see a border poll, Robinson replied: “I think when the earth is put on my coffin we will still be in the United Kingdom.”
He added that the issue of Irish unity was a “distraction” from work to improve people’s lives and that there was “no reason why” the government should move towards calling a border poll.
