Various derivatives of norbornene and 7-oxanorbornenedicarboxylic acid have been synthesized and polymerized via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP). The introduction of tetrahydropyranyl moieties as protection groups opened a way for the synthesis of polyelectrolytes through well-defined transition metal alkylidene catalysts that are usually deactivated by reactions with acidic protons. The incorporation of methacrylate groups in the polycarboxylic acids was achieved either by copolymerization of methacrylate functionalized norbornene or 7-oxanorbornene derivatives, or by the polymer analogous reaction of the polycarboxylic acids with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). These materials are soluble in water as well as in ethanol and undergo cross-linking reactions initiated by UV light.