Setting "nice" values

Hi all,

   I've got a script (perl, in case it matters) that I need to run once
a month to prepare statements. This script queries and updates the
database a *lot*. I am not concerned with the performance of the SQL
calls so much as I am about the impact it has on the server's load.

   Is there a way to limit queries speed (ie: set a low 'nice' value on
a query)? This might be an odd question, or I could be asking the
question the wrong way, but hopefully you the idea. :)

Thanks!

Madi